The Boston Celtics are expected to focus on affordable free agent options this offseason after successfully moving below the NBA’s punitive second apron.
In an effort to manage their payroll, Boston has already moved on from Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis via trades, and more cost-cutting decisions could follow. With Jayson Tatum’s return next season uncertain due to a torn right Achilles, the team may be heading into a transitional year.
According to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, two veteran wings the Celtics could pursue are Taurean Prince and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Prince had a strong shooting season in his lone year with the Milwaukee Bucks, hitting a career-best 43.9% from three-point range. He contributed 8.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 threes per game while playing in 80 games, including 73 starts.
Hardaway, who may return to Detroit if the Pistons re-sign him, provided a steady veteran presence last season. He averaged 11.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.2 threes, and 1.6 assists in 77 games as a starter. With Tatum sidelined, the Celtics could try to lure him with a more prominent role, even at a reduced salary.
Both Prince and Hardaway would be strong fits for Boston’s three-point-heavy offense and could help maintain competitiveness during this transitional phase.
Given their limited spending power, the Celtics may look to add reliable, low-cost veterans to stabilize the roster and stay in the mix in what could be a wide-open Eastern Conference.