10 players who could be fits for Celtics in NBA free agency

🔍 1. Al Horford (Center/Veteran)

Overview: A fan favorite and defensive anchor during the 2024–25 season, Horford averaged 9.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 0.9 BPG at age 38 .
Fit: Offers elite basketball IQ, locker room leadership, and matchup versatility—ideal for stabilizing rotation amid Tatum’s absence. His return provides continuity.
Finance: Likely willing to negotiate a team-friendly deal, though contingency exits exist.

2. Luke Kornet (Center)

Overview: Brooked a surprising breakout with 6.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.0 BPG, and a +14.9 net rating .
Fit: His rim protection and floor spacing make him an excellent modern big. Cost-effective and already integrated into the system.
Risk/Reward: Boston can retain him at or slightly above the vet minimum instead of watching him join a rival .

3. Kevon Looney (Center)

Overview: A vital rotation big for the Warriors, he averaged ~4.5 PPG and 5.9 RPG off the bench, while ranking among top 30 defenders (DRtg 106.9) .
Fit: Brings playoff-tested toughness, defensive versatility, and physicality.
Salary Feasibility: Likely open to a veteran-minimum deal—perfect for a deep rebounding alternative.

4. Clint Capela (Center)

Overview: Despite slightly down numbers (8.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.0 BPG), Capela still excels in rebounding and rim protection .
Fit: Ideal candidate for the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (~$5.7M). His screen-setting and paint dominance would complement Boston’s guard-heavy lineups.

5. Javonte Green (Wing)

Overview: Spent two seasons in Boston previously, delivering energy (5.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 32.6% 3PT) .
Fit: Familiar face who fits Brad Stevens’ defense-first vision. Excelled as a high-motor wing capable of guarding multiple positions.

6. Luke Kennard (Wing/Sharp Shooter)

Overview: One of the league’s elite 3PT shooters—career 43.8%—and potential replacement for outgoing shooters .
Fit: His spacing ability is perfect off a playmaker like Brown. His Duke ties to Tatum add chemistry upside.

7. Dalano Banton (Guard)

Overview: Showed flashes in Portland with 8.3 PPG, 2.4 APG, and 2.0 RPG in limited minutes .
Fit: Meets need for depth in guard rotation. Familiar with Celtics’ culture, previously signed in 2023 offseason.

8. Torrey Craig (Forward/3-and-D)

Preview from ClutchPoints & CelticsBlog: Already integrated midseason and valued for defense .
Fit: Versatile wing who can guard 1–4 and space the floor. Brings veteran savvy and locker-room presence.

9. Rick Porzingis Replacement Scenarios

Context: Porzingis and Jrue Holiday were traded and may not return due to existing salary constraints .
Fit Requirement: Celtics need rim protectors who stretch the floor—making players like Capela, Looney, Kornet strategic priorities.

10. Additional Targets (Mild Speculation)

Note: Boston’s limited cap space (≈$4M below second apron) means they’ll rely on MLE and vet minimums—targeting high-value role players .

🏀 Summary — What Boston Needs & How These Players Help

🔚 Concluding Thoughts

, but if the front office fields a package of Looney + Kennard or Capela + Craig, they could maintain competitiveness in the East—especially with depth and versatility at a premium.

By incorporating these smart, affordable signings, Boston could stay in the playoff conversation in 2025–26, even while waiting for Tatum’s return, and positioned to re-launch a title campaign in 2026–27.

Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into salary cap mechanics or fit analysis on any individual player!