The NBA enters into a slumber for the next few weeks, at least until Sept. 28 hits and training camp is underway. There will be some murmurs and small moves; even big ones like the Lauri Markkanen sign-and-trade might pop up.
But the Celtics, at least, are just nearly done putting the final touches on this year’s roster. Of course, there still needs to be some contract shedding considering they have 16 contracts with only 15 available roster spots.
It’s why Boston president Brad Stevens said “nothing is imminent” as the team looks to make tweaks. There are certain locks and probable players who figure to be on the roster next season, while the final four players appear to be on the edge.
Those four are: Kris Dunn, Carsen Edwards, Bruno Fernando and Jabari Parker. Here’s how each player fits on the roster and what they bring to the table.
Kris Dunn
Acquired from Atlanta in the Tristan Thompson trade, Dunn makes some schematic sense for the Celtics with his fit. He has a limited offensive game, but as another depth piece on the wing who can play defense, he’ll fit into what first-year coach Ime Udoka wants to do.
But Dunn appears to be the likely option should a trade materialize for the Celtics. He only makes $5 million and could be a useful piece for another team. Dunn only played in only four games last season as he was limited by injury, so he needs to rehabilitate his career somewhat ahead of free agency next summer.
Carsen Edwards
There doesn’t seem to be too much room on the roster for Edwards, a scorer who needs the ball in his hands. He had an up-and-down showing at Summer League, but considering he’s entering his third season, he left wanting a bit more.
The guard rotation, after the C’s signed Dennis Schröder, is going to be difficult to find minutes for Edwards. It doesn’t help that his smaller stature makes him a defensive liability when he is on the court. He also feels like another likely option to get moved in the coming weeks.
Edwards’ contract is guaranteed at $1.8 million next season; he also has a club option for the 2022-23 season. If the Celtics don’t find a trade option, waiving Edwards could be the move they end up with.
Bruno Fernando
Fernando was also part of the trade package that sent Thompson out and brought in Dunn. Fernando, 23, showcased the type of energy in Summer League that the team could use out of a deep bench player. His play was solid and he could be a spark plug if he does see the court.
The only obstacle for Fernando is the guys in front of him. The Celtics already have three centers on the roster in Robert Williams III, Al Horford and Enes Kanter. There are only so many minutes to go around. Health could be an issue for all three players, though, meaning the Celtics might want to keep Fernando around for insurance as another big man.
Jabari Parker
Parker’s defensive limitations are apparent, but his scoring punch off the bench was a pleasant surprise — especially in the playoffs. He faded out of the rotation after the Celtics initially signed him, but he’s another option for Udoka if he’s looking for some quick scoring.
The former blue-chip recruit, though, is on a non-guaranteed contract. It’s mostly why his roster position doesn’t feel secure because the team can drop him without affecting their bottom line. Parker, though, does feel like he could provide another edge to the team as a scoring forward off the bench. That’s where he’ll look to make an impact.
A Celtic connection
A pair of former Celtics have been linked together in the past few days through an unexpected path: the Lakers. Both former Boston point guards, Rajon Rondo and Isaiah Thomas, have had stints in the purple and gold, with Rondo even winning the NBA championship in 2020.
One shakeup appears to be a missed opportunity for the other. Rondo was traded to Memphis, where he’s reportedly being bought out of his contract. The frontrunner to sign the former All-Star is the Lakers.
That’s an unsurprising move for Los Angeles, considering it’s been looking for some point guard depth. The Lakers’ players are ancient by NBA standards, but adding another veteran like Rondo should help — especially come the playoffs.
Now the Thomas twist. The Lakers were reportedly seriously considering signing Thomas, per The Athletic, as he last played in the NBA last season with the Pelicans on a 10-day contract. But with Rondo taking up another roster spot — and filling a need at point guard — that all but extinguishes Thomas’ chance at an NBA comeback, at least with the Lakers.
While some Boston fans might clamor to bring back Thomas, the numbers don’t work out for the Celtics either. The C’s are set at point guard between Schröder, Marcus Smart and Payton Pritchard. They also don’t have any open roster spots considering they still have to trim the number to 15 players ahead of the regular season.
Some former trade interest
The Celtics lost out on some potential trade interest down the line when former Bull Lauri Markkanen was sign-and-traded to the Cavs in a three-team deal that included the Trail Blazers. There was some interest in Markkanen from Boston’s side, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, as one of multiple teams to inquire about the forward.
The other trade implications of the deal are also important for Boston. Larry Nance Jr., who heads from Cleveland to Portland, would’ve been a nice complementary piece who could’ve fit into a trade exception. Aside from a blowup in Portland — which isn’t out of the realm of possibility — he isn’t an available piece on the market anymore in the near future.
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August 30, 2021 at 11:58PM
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Celtics Notebook: Isaiah Thomas, Rajon Rondo link, how Boston’s bench players fit and some former trade inter - MassLive.com
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