With a 3-2 record at the end of their most difficult stretch of the season, the Celtics have returned to Boston for their first encounter with Ime Udoka. Despite a dismal loss on Thursday night, the club is still comfortably ahead of the Bucks in the East, so let’s get into some questions about the squad in this week’s mailbag. For inquiries on the Celtics, NBA, free agency, or other matters, send an email to [email protected] or send a tweet to @briantrobb.
He won’t be the kind of man they add at this time, in my opinion. Despite having strong offensive results early in his career, he has stayed in the G-League the whole season, thus it is revealing that no team has taken a chance on him. He is an offensive first person, therefore right now they shouldn’t be adding players of his caliber to fill up the bench.
Would undoubtedly make for an interesting narrative, but it won’t take place. Hayward is extremely wealthy (over $30 million annually), and he has no intention of giving up his Bird Rights and accepting a buyout if he wants to close one more major transaction. Furthermore, by making him available, the Hornets may likely acquire something valuable in exchange for him on the trade market. He may pursue a contract elsewhere in free agency the next year, but he’ll receive far more money elsewhere than Boston can provide (the veteran’s minimum). According to CBA regulations, Boston is not allowed to contract him this season even if he receives a buyout since his salary would have exceeded the mid-level exemption.
