Celtics expected to sign someone off buyout market after trade deadline
The 2025 NBA trade deadline has passed, and the Boston Celtics – other than shipping off Jaden Springer to cut costs – essentially stood pat. But NBA rules dictate that…
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 2: President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics addresses the media during Boston Celtics Media Day at The Auerbach Center on October 2, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
Maddie Malhotra/Getty ImagesThe 2025 NBA trade deadline has passed, and the Boston Celtics - other than shipping off Jaden Springer to cut costs - essentially stood pat.
But NBA rules dictate that the Celtics have to fill the open roster spot left by Springer's departure. That's where they are expected to explore the NBA's annual contract buyout market for an affordable addition.
Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reported Thursday that the C's are "expected to focus on the buyout market" for an addition to their roster. Per league rules, they need to sign someone in order to get their roster to at least 13 players, and they can't sign someone who made more than the $12.8 million mid-level exception before being bought out.
The Celtics saved $15 million against the luxury tax when they traded Springer to the Houston Rockets, along with second-round picks in 2027 and 2030, for a 2031 second-rounder. Springer was on the books for $4 million. A free-agent making the veteran's minimum would not exceed that number.
One possible option for the Celtics is to bring back Lonnie Walker IV, whom they waived before the start of the season in October. Walker is currently playing in Europe for the Lithuania-based Žalgiris Kaunas. Another former Celtic expected to be available is big man Daniel Theis, who was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Theis was on the books for just $2.8 million.
So, while the Celtics didn't make any more trades, they'll be making a new addition to the roster within the next two weeks.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
