As the NBA trade deadline passes, teams are turning their attention to the buyout market — and the Boston Celtics are in prime position to add key veterans or versatile role players to strengthen their rotation. With championship aspirations alive but depth still a concern, adding the right piece could be the difference between a deep playoff run and falling short.
Here are five buyout players Boston should consider — and why each one fits:
🟢 1. Jusuf Nurkić — Interior Presence & Playmaking Big
Why he fits:
Nurkić provides Boston with a true interior anchor, capable of scoring in the paint, facilitating from the high post, and protecting the rim. He would complement Boston’s wings and provide stability for minutes when starters rest.
What he brings:
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Paint scoring and post spacing
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Elite passing for a center
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Defensive rebounding and rim protection
🟢 2. Matisse Thybulle — Elite Perimeter Defense
Why he fits:
Boston could use a 3‑and‑D wing capable of locking down elite perimeter scorers. Thybulle excels at switching on defense and spacing the floor offensively.
What he brings:
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On-ball perimeter defense
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Switchability against wings and guards
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Spot-up shooting
🟢 3. Marvin Bagley III — Athletic Scorer & Lob Threat
Why he fits:
Bagley provides energy and scoring off the bench. His athleticism and transition play would give Boston a boost when the starters sit.
What he brings:
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High-flying rim offense
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Efficient scoring around the basket
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Transition pace and energy
🟢 4. Lonzo Ball — Defensive Point Guard & Floor General
Why he fits:
If Ball becomes available, he’s a perfect defensive-minded floor general to complement Boston’s stars. He would provide secondary ball-handling, perimeter defense, and floor spacing — crucial in playoff matchups.
What he brings:
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Elite perimeter defense at point guard
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Secondary playmaking and decision-making
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Three-point shooting to stretch defenses
🟢 5. Jeremy Sochan — Versatile Wing Defender
Why he fits:
Sochan is now a free agent after being waived by the Spurs. He’s a versatile, high-energy forward who can guard multiple positions and create matchup nightmares for opponents in small-ball lineups.
What he brings:
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Multi-positional defensive versatility
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High-energy rebounding and transition ability
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Secondary scoring and hustle plays
Why These Additions Matter
Adding any of these players would give Boston:
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Defensive versatility – Thybulle, Sochan, and Ball can lock down wings and guards.
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Frontcourt depth – Nurkić and Bagley provide scoring, athleticism, and rim protection.
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Bench scoring & spacing – Bagley, Thybulle, and Sochan could ignite second units while stars rest.
These buyouts would strengthen Boston without disrupting its core rotation, giving the Celtics maximum flexibility for the playoffs.
The Celtics are still a championship contender, but depth often decides postseason success. Nurkić, Thybulle, Bagley, Ball, and Sochan each offer unique abilities that could push Boston deeper into the playoffs while providing valuable insurance against injuries or fatigue.
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