Possible buyout candidates for Celtics after NBA trade deadline – NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics were active leading up to the NBA trade deadline, which passed at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday. The team reportedly made multiple moves to reshape its roster as it prepares for a playoff push.

Celtics Roster Overhaul

Earlier in the week, the Celtics acquired Chicago Bulls centre Nikola Vucevic and a second-round draft pick in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and another second-round pick. On Thursday, the Celtics continued to make moves, trading forward Chris Boucher and a second-round pick to the Utah Jazz, sending Josh Minott to the Brooklyn Nets and dealing centre Xavier Tillman Sr. To the Charlotte Hornets.

Did You Know? The Celtics’ trades have positioned the team below the first apron and below the luxury tax line.

These transactions have also created two open roster spots, giving the Celtics the flexibility to potentially add players via the buyout market.

Potential Buyout Candidates

Cam Thomas

Cam Thomas, recently waived by the Brooklyn Nets, is considered by many to be the best player available on the buyout market. He averaged 15.6 points in 24 games for the Nets this season and, according to Thomas himself, is “super excited ready to actually help and contribute to another team.” He has career averages of 43.5% from the field, 34.3% from three-point range, and 85.8% from the free throw line.

Despite his scoring ability, Thomas is not known for his defensive skills or playmaking. He has also faced injury challenges, playing only 25 games last season and 24 this season.

Mike Conley Jr.

Veteran guard Mike Conley Jr. Became a free agent after being waived by the Hornets on Thursday, following recent trades from the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves. Conley brings 19 years of experience, including 108 playoff appearances, to any potential team.

While Conley has struggled offensively this season, averaging just 4.4 points per game and shooting 32.2% from three-point range, he previously shot around 40% from beyond the arc in the three seasons prior. He also remains a strong free throw shooter and has averaged over five assists per game throughout his career.

Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball was waived by the Jazz shortly after being acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite being hampered by injuries since being drafted in 2017, Ball possesses the potential to be a productive player. At 6-foot-5, he could provide the Celtics with size at the guard position, offering decent defence, rebounding, and playmaking abilities.

However, Ball has struggled with outside shooting, hitting just 27.2% of his three-pointers this season.

Khris Middleton

Khris Middleton, currently with the Dallas Mavericks, is not yet on the buyout market. If he becomes available, he could be an intriguing option for the Celtics, having previously played well against them. While not the same player he was with the Milwaukee Bucks, he can still provide consistent offence and free throw shooting, averaging 20.6 points over 80 career playoff games.

Expert Insight: The Celtics’ moves demonstrate a strategic effort to balance immediate playoff contention with long-term financial flexibility, positioning them to potentially add talent through the buyout market without exceeding salary cap thresholds.

Gabe Vincent

Gabe Vincent, recently acquired by the Atlanta Hawks from the Los Angeles Lakers, has not been waived but could become a buyout candidate. Despite not making a significant impact in Los Angeles, he could be a useful addition to a contender. Vincent shoots 36.9% from beyond the arc and is a quality free throw shooter, with 54 games of playoff experience. He previously averaged 15.8 points on 51.6% three-point shooting against the Celtics in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals.

Injuries have limited Vincent to 29 games this season, raising concerns about durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the NBA trade deadline pass?

The NBA trade deadline passed at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

What players did the Celtics trade for Nikola Vucevic?

The Celtics traded Anfernee Simons and a second-round draft pick to the Chicago Bulls for Nikola Vucevic and a second-round draft pick.

How many open roster spots do the Celtics currently have?

The Celtics currently have two open roster spots.

With the trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, will the Celtics be able to capitalize on the buyout market to further strengthen their roster for a championship run?