Potential Celtics wing target on track for free agency after buyout
The Boston Celtics have an intriguing new option on track to hit free agency after the latest NBA contract buyout.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 30: Will Barton #5 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at TD Garden on October 30, 2022 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 Nick Grace/Getty Images)
Nick Grace/Getty ImagesThe trade deadline may be over, but there's still the buyout market for top NBA contenders to add pieces in areas of need, and the Celtics ought to keep watching for potential targets.
If they are, then they should be looking at an intriguing name who is on the verge of the open market. As reported by Adrian Wojnarowski on Tuesday, the Washington Wizards have completed a contract buyout with guard/forward Will Barton, making him on track to become a free agent once he clears waivers.
Nick Grace/Getty ImagesBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 30: Will Barton #5 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at TD Garden on October 30, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Nick Grace/Getty Images)
Typically a reliable scoring wing throughout his career, Barton has struggled shooting the ball in 2022-23 compared to his usual output. In 40 games with the Wizards (zero starts), he shot 38.7 percent from the field, after averaging 43.3 percent for his career leading up to this year.
However, Barton has remained a solid spot-up three-point shooter, averaging 38.0 percent from downtown this season. In fact, that's the second-best rate of his career to date (38.1 percent in 2020-21).
At age 32, Barton may simply be on a steep decline at this stage of his career, and understandably so. But his three-point shooting should still make him an asset for a contending team in need of a wing scorer off the bench.
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesPHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 07: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics high fives Jaylen Brown #7 during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on December 07, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Enter the Celtics. They acquired a floor-stretching, three-point-shooting big at the trade deadline with the acquisition of Mike Muscala, but they could still use a guy who can deliver similar bench production while playing guard or forward. Danilo Gallinari remains a candidate to play this season, if he can return in time from ACL surgery, but he shouldn't be considered a lock.
As detailed in MassLive by Brian Robb, the Celtics could use a disabled player exception (DPE) to replace Gallinari with a new signing if he's unable to return. Per Robb, signing Barton to a DPE would cost $3.2 million.
If the Celtics decide to shut down Gallinari for good, and President of Basketball Ops Brad Stevens wants to fill that spot on the roster from outside, Barton seems to be his best option. Considering this is all the Celtics really "need" to add, if anything, it's certainly a good problem to have.
Michael Reaves/Getty ImagesMIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 19: Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens looks on prior to Game Two of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on May 19, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt's content here.
