Joe Mazzulla
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Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla during a game against the Detroit Pistons in October 2025
The Boston Celtics created roster flexibility at the trade deadline.
Boston made four trades before Thursday’s deadline, clearing salary and dropping below the luxury tax line. The moves left the Celtics with three open standard-contract roster spots and some breathing room under the tax.
The team has until February 19 to get the roster back to 14 players per league rules. The Celtics’ most likely path forward involves 10-day contracts, as they are sitting just $842,000 under the luxury tax line. Still, the buyout market still features some intriguing names.
Here are five options the Celtics could consider.
Option 1: Cam Thomas
Cam Thomas
GettyCam Thomas is looking for a new NBA home.
Cam Thomas is likely the best player available on the buyout market.
The Brooklyn Nets waived the 24-year-old guard shortly after the deadline, a surprising move that caught attention around the league. Thomas can provide instant offense off the bench, something the Celtics lost when they traded Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls.
Thomas averaged 15.6 points per game in 24 games this season. For his career, he has shot 43.5 percent from the field, 34.3 percent from three, and 85.8 percent from the free throw line. There is no denying Thomas can create his own shot. But there are concerns about his defense and injury history. He has appeared in just 25 games last season and 24 this year.
But if the Celtics want a scoring punch off the bench to replace what Simons brought, Thomas is the most talented option on the market.
Option 2: Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball makes a move in an NBA game.
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Lonzo Ball would address a specific need for the Celtics.
The Utah Jazz waived Ball after acquiring him from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team trade. At 6-foot-5, he would provide size at the guard position that Boston lacks.
Ball is a decent defender with good instincts. He is a solid rebounder for his position and his playmaking ability remains impressive. He can run an offense and make the right reads.
But the shooting has been a problem. Ball is shooting just 27.2 percent from three this season while posting 30.1 percent from the field overall. He averaged 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists for Cleveland in limited playing time.
Injuries have hindered Ball’s development since he was selected second overall in 2017. When healthy, he brings size, defense, and playmaking. Whether his shooting struggles make him too risky is the question.
Option 3: Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton is not officially on the buyout market yet, but he could be soon.
The Dallas Mavericks acquired Middleton as part of the Anthony Davis blockbuster trade. Dallas does not appear interested in competing this season with Kyrie Irving still sidelined, which could lead to Middleton hitting the open market.
Middleton has played well against the Celtics throughout his career. He is not the same dynamic offensive player he was during his peak years with the Milwaukee Bucks, but he can still provide consistent scoring and create his own shot.
Middleton has averaged 20.6 points over 80 career playoff games. He won a championship with Milwaukee in 2021 and brings playoff experience that matters in high-pressure situations.
The Celtics already have strong wing depth with Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, and Baylor Scheierman, so Middleton would not fill a glaring need. But he is one of the more playoff-proven names available if Dallas decides to move on.
Evan Sidery
After being traded to the Mavericks, the strong expectation is Khris Middleton will soon hit the buyout market.
On a $33.3 million expiring contract, Middleton can work a buyout agreement to go join a title contender.
Option 4: Mike Conley Jr.
Mike Conley Jr. brings exactly what contenders look for in a veteran addition.
The Charlotte Hornets waived Conley on Thursday after acquiring him in a trade. He was dealt twice this week, bouncing from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Bulls to Charlotte before landing on the open market.
Conley brings 19 years of experience and 108 playoff games to the table. He is highly respected around the league as a great teammate and consummate professional.
But the production has dipped. Conley averaged just 4.4 points per game with Minnesota this season while shooting 32.2 percent from three. But he shot around 40 percent from deep over the previous three seasons and remains a very good playmaker who has averaged more than five assists per game throughout his career.
At 38 years old, Conley would not need to carry a heavy load. He could provide steady backup point guard play and veteran leadership in a limited role. There is a chance he returns to Minnesota, but if he explores other options, Boston would make sense as a destination.
Hoop Central
BREAKING: Mike Conley has been waived by the Hornets, per @rodboone
Which team should sign Conley?
Option 5: Ron Harper Jr.
Ron Harper Jr, Boston Celtics
GettyRon Harper Jr, Boston Celtics
Ron Harper Jr. is an intriguing internal option for the Celtics.
Harper Jr. is currently on a two-way contract with Boston. The Celtics can promote him to a standard deal the same way they did with Amari Williams on Thursday.
Harper Jr. started his first NBA game on Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets and delivered a career performance. He scored a career-high 11 points while grabbing a career-best 9 rebounds in 33 minutes. He hit his first three three-pointers of the game and provided tenacious defense against Kevin Durant.
Harper Jr. has been one of the top players in the G League this season, averaging 24.3 points and 3.1 assists per game with the Maine Celtics. He will represent Boston in the Rising Stars game at All-Star weekend.
The 25-year-old knows the system. He spent the last two training camps with Boston and was part of the 2024 Summer League squad.
The Celtics could also look at other Maine players like Keon Johnson, a 2021 first-round pick with four years of NBA experience. But Harper Jr. just proved he belongs after his performance against Houston.
Dan Feldman
67 days remain in the season.
The Celtics have three open standard-contract roster spots. Boston must fill at least two for at least 39 of the remaining 67 days.
By my count, Boston can squeeze in 90 “player-days” and dodge the luxury tax.
Talk about threading the needle!
Final Word for the Celtics
The Celtics have a number of options to consider.
But there is a clear catch. The Celtics are sitting just $842,000 under the luxury tax line. That is not enough room to sign a veteran from the buyout market without triggering tax penalties.
The reality will likely be that big buyout names like Thomas, Conley, Ball, or Middleton are most-likely headed elsewhere. Teams with more financial flexibility will be able to offer them guaranteed contracts for the rest of the season.
As a result, the path forward for Boston could involve smart manoeuvring and 10-day contracts. The Celtics can sign players to short-term deals without committing to full-season contracts that would push them over the tax. They can also promote two-way players like Harper Jr. or Max Shulga, whose cap hits would be lower than veteran signings.
Boston has until February 19 to get the roster to 14 players, though they can go 14 days in a row and 28 days total with fewer than 14. The All-Star break is coming, which gives the team time to evaluate options.
The deadline has passed. The flexibility exists. But the financial reality means Boston will likely look inward and use short-term contracts rather than chase big names on the buyout market.