The Celtics are enjoying their quietest stretch of the season in Boston with just two games over an 11 day stretch following an early exit from the NBA Cup. Let’s dive into some questions about trades, buyouts, Payton Pritchard and more in this week’s mailbag. If you have questions about the Celtics or NBA , email brobb@masslive.
com or tweet @briantrobb Did the Celtics quietly try to move Springer this past off season? How does the 2nd Tier limitations impact the buyout market options? — Matt Y There were multiple reports back in October that the Celtics explored moving Springer. My guess is that they did not try to move him during the offseason itself but once Lonnie Walker had a strong showing during the preseason, they likely considered opening up a roster spot for him since he would be a cheaper option than Springer at the veteran’s minimum (and a more proven player). Ultimately, Jake Fischer reported that the Celtics would not have been able to move Springer without attaching some draft currency and that’s not a place the Celtics were willing to go at that point of the calendar.
That’s for very good reason too. The Celtics have very limited flexibility across their roster with Springer essentially being the only player making more than the veteran’s minimum that’s not a core part of the rotation. If the Celtics do need to make a meaningful addition due to an injury, etc.
he’s the only salary chip they have. That makes waiting and seeing with him the sma.