Could the Boston Celtics already have a backup plan in case either forward Gordon Hayward or center Enes Kanter opt out of the final year of their current deal?
It’s certainly possible they are looking into Detroit Pistons big man Christian Wood, a player The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III sources relate the Celtics inquired about multiple times at the 2020 NBA trade deadline in February.
Wood will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the Pistons may hope to sign the power forward to a bargain deal in the hopes a depressed cap situation (even before considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the league) aids their efforts.
The biggest threats to sign Christian Wood away from the #Pistons
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— James Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) May 12, 2020
The Celtics, as Edwards notes, would almost certainly need one of Kanter or Hayward to opt out in order for any such pursuit to make sense, as they would almost certainly be an over-the-cap team only able to offer their taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE) otherwise.
Exactly how much that ends up being depends on far too many moving parts at present given the financial strain the pandemic will likely place on the league, but it would presumably be less than the $6.6 million estimate set when the cap was expected to be set at $115 million pre-pandemic.
The full MLE was projected in the neighborhood of $10.7 million, and — given Boston’s likely contention status in 2020-21 — might appeal more than a similar figure from Detroit.
Celtics reportedly hope to keep Hayward whether he opts out or not https://t.co/UiMclvT04Y
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 13, 2020
While Wood is far from a finished product especially on defense, his high-volume 3-point shooting in particular could make for an excellent addition to the team’s bench scoring repertoire with starter potential.
In 2019-20, the Californian averaged 13.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and an assist per game while blocking 0.9 shots per game.
A lot of things would have to happen to actually see the UNLV product in green and white, but it’s an option to monitor should one of Kanter or Hayward decide to test the waters this coming offseason.
The path is slim, but the front office interest is legitimate, the fit solid and likely cost potentially in reach — the rest lies with Wood’s priorities, and luck.
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