Front Runner Emerges for Potential Celtics Buyout Acquisition

The Celtics' priority on the buyout market is finding players who can help the team while embracing a role where they might not play every game.

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The Celtics addressed their primary need at the trade deadline, acquiring more depth up front in the form of floor-spacing veteran Mike Muscala.

A day after the deal, he made his Boston debut, registering 12 points on 4/8 shooting, exclusively firing from beyond the arc, two assists, and a block in the Celtics' 127-116 win over the Hornets.

While describing his experience after the game, Muscala expressed, "the energy in the arena was just amazing; you can just tell (that) the fans love the game here, and it was just a blessing; it was fun."

Before tip-off, Brad Stevens detailed what makes him so excited about what the player nicknamed "Moose" brings to Boston.

While Stevens primarily went to the podium to discuss what the Celtics did at the trade deadline, the topic of what Boston is looking for on the buyout market also came up.

"Can play but doesn't need to play. And that's a hard needle to thread. I don't blame anybody that wouldn't want to fill that role."

There's a strong case the Celtics have the deepest roster in the NBA, something that's forced multiple players to sacrifice in terms of role and minutes and do so without becoming a distraction as the team with the league's best record (40-16) works toward its goal of banner 18.

Boston's president of basketball operations conveyed that the Celtics' priority at the trade deadline was finding players who fit into the roles and minutes they can provide and are looking to fill, which also applies to the team's approach to the buyout market.

One individual soon to have a new home is Terrence Ross, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

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Now in his 11th season, his seventh in Orlando, if willing to buy into the role Boston can offer him, the veteran scorer would satisfy the Celtics' search for an addition on the perimeter.

Ross is having a bounce-back season from beyond the arc, following up two down years from long range by knocking down 38.1 percent of the 3.8 threes he's hoisting. He's a career 36.2 percent three-point shooter on five attempts per contest.

The 32-year-old wing is averaging eight points per game in 22.5 minutes; he's scored in double-figures the previous four seasons.

But according to Wojnarowski, the Dallas Mavericks have emerged as the front-runner to sign Ross.

The Dallas Mavericks have emerged as the frontrunner to sign Terrence Ross once his buyout is complete, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/YwdxwdgiIZ

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 11, 2023

As Stevens acknowledged, the role Boston's offering isn't for everyone, and it's easy to understand why Ross would opt for more playing time on a reconfigured Mavericks team that now pairs Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.

Still, between the chance to compete for a championship and a $3.23 million disabled player exception the league granted them due to Danilo Gallinari's ACL tear, the Celtics are as attractive an option on the buyout market as any potential landing spot.

Here's a look at other options on the buyout market who could help complete their roster.

Further Reading

Mike Muscala on Celtics Debut: 'a Blessing, it was Fun'

Derrick White Discusses His Career Night and Matching a Celtics Franchise Record

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Hornets: Derrick White's Career Night Helps Boston Blow by Charlotte

Brad Stevens Discusses What Mike Muscala Brings to the Celtics

Celtics Reportedly 'Engaged' with Several Potential Buyout Candidates

Examining Potential Options for the Celtics on the Buyout Market

The Latest on Jaylen Brown's Facial Fracture and How Long He Might Be Out

1:1 with Paul Pierce on What the Celtics-Lakers Rivalry Means to Him; Jayson Tatum's Growth, His Evaluation of Boston's Season, and More