The Boston Celtics clearly have not been interested in any of the current candidates on the NBA’s buyout market, but perhaps one player will change that.
Former Detroit Pistons forward Markieff Morris now is eligible to sign with another NBA team. The 30-year-old Morris agreed to a contract buyout with the Pistons on Friday, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The Celtics reportedly were one of a few teams interested in Morris prior to the NBA trade deadline earlier this month, leading to the belief they could try to pursue him now as a free agent — and they should.
A 6-foot-8, 245-pound forward that’s able to guard a variety of positions, Morris would be an intriguing fit for an already versatile group. Of course, his twin brother, Marcus, played in Boston for two seasons and was a crucial piece in the 2017-18 team which reached Game 7 of the NBA Finals largely due to his ability to guard.
Markieff has played in 44 games while averaging about 22.5 minutes per contest this year in Detroit. He’s averaged 11.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
The 2011 first-round selection surely would help provide a veteran presence off the bench, even if the Celtics’ established core will be on the floor to close out games when the postseason arrives.
Morris already has garnered interest from the Los Angles Lakers and Toronto Raptors, according to reports, with the Lakers reportedly winning the sweepstakes.
