Did Celtics Waive Justin Champagnie with Another Move in Mind?

In two games with the Celtics, Justin Champagnie averaged 2.5 points, two rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 11.5 minutes per contest.

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Celtics are waiving Justin Champagnie.

After joining Boston late in the 2022-23 campaign, the former Raptor appeared in two tilts, averaging 2.5 points, two rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 11.5 minutes per contest.

In four Summer League games, the former Pittsburgh Panther didn't make the impact you'd expect or at least want to see from someone who's been in the NBA for two years.

Champagnie did his best work on the boards in Sin City, grabbing 8.3 rebounds. He also averaged 13 points and 2.8 assists. The Brooklyn native connected on only 30.4 percent of his 5.8 attempts from beyond the arc in Summer League.

What sparked the Celtics' decision to waive Champagnie on Tuesday was that $50,000.00 of his salary would've become guaranteed. He was on a non-guaranteed deal worth $1.9 million.

Before parting ways with Champagnie, Boston was $2.3 million under the second apron, per Spotrac. This move gives the C's $4.2 million in breathing room below that threshold.

It also gives the Celtics two full-time roster openings. They must fill at least one. They also have a two-way spot available.

And while this was a financially motivated decision, Boston's expressed interest in signing Austin Rivers, per the Globe's Gary Washburn. They've done the same with two-guard Terence Davis, who remains available. And from Christian Wood to bringing Blake Griffin back, other familiar faces, a veteran 3&D wing, and younger players brimming with upside, there are still intriguing options on the open market.

With the Celtics required to fill at least one more roster spot, it'll be interesting to see what direction they go.

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