2 buyout candidates Celtics must pursue after 2024 NBA trade deadline

Either of these guys might be signed by the Celtics to bolster their squad.

Even prior to the trade deadline, the Boston Celtics have been the NBA’s greatest team all season long. With the acquisition of teenage prospect Jaden Springer and additional big man depth in Xavier Tillman, the Celtics enjoyed a successful trade deadline. The Celtics would be wise to seek Thaddeus Young and/or Danilo Gallinari now that the buyout market season has begun.

It’s not like the Celtics need any more depth, but it doesn’t hurt heading into what they expect will be a deep playoff run. They have an open roster spot and could use that to convert someone like Neemias Queta who is on a two-way contract. But it would be wise for them to see if they could grab extra veteran help.

Danilo Gallinari should be the first priority for the Celtics on the buyout market

Danilo Gallinari in a Celtics jersey

Gallinari is arguably the best player on the buyout market. He was traded to the Detroit Pistons and only played a handful of games for them before they cut him. Gallinari is a combo forward who can slide in and be the backup small forward. That spot is currently held by Sam Hauser but Gallinari would give the Celtics more of an experienced option.

Gallinari made his return this season after missing all of last year with an ACL injury. Prior to that he had been averaging double figures with the Atlanta Hawks. This year while his numbers were down scoring wise, he was still shooting well in the small sample size he had with the Pistons. Through six games he shot 54.5 percent from the field and 58.3 percent from three point range.

The Celtics will face some competition as a few teams are expected to show interest in Gallinari. But maybe a championship-caliber squad and a pivotal position would be enough to lure him in.

Thaddeus Young could be the Celtics backup plan on the buyout market

Thaddeus Young in a Celtics jersey

If the Celtics don’t end up signing Danilo Gallinari, they could turn their attention to Thaddeus Young. Young is also a bit of a combo forward but hasn’t been as productive as Gallinari in recent seasons. He’s spent the past couple of years as more of a veteran mentor on the Toronto Raptors.

His presence on the Celtics would be of a locker room kind of guy, but it’s never a bad idea to have a few of those guys especially on a team looking to win a championship. This season, Young has suited up in 23 games for the Raptors including six starts. He averaged 5.0 points per game, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists with splits of 62.1 percent shooting from the field and 41.7 percent shooting from the free throw line.

The Celtics probably won’t rely too heavily on Young for on-court production if they sign him. Rolling with what they have should be sufficient if they lose out on Gallinari. It would be wise for them to convert Neemias Queta to a standard contract, as there has been talk about doing so.

Right now, the Celtics have enough players to win a championship. Gallinari may be that extra bit of encouragement. Young isn’t necessary a priority, but he wouldn’t be a bad backup plan. Even if Gallinari ought to be the team’s top target in the buyout market, it won’t really matter if they don’t end up with him.