Ex-Celtics Center Flees Buyout Market To Sign With EuroLeague Team

Former Boston Celtics center Daniel Theis removed himself from the open market, and the NBA entirely following the aftermath of this season’s trade deadline.

Theis, originally a member of the New Orleans Pelicans after signing a one-year contract this past offseason, was moved ahead of last week’s deadline. The Pelicans traded Theis and a 2031 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for cash considerations, but shortly after the 32-year-old was waived and became a free agent. Still, as teams across the league examine the market in search of front-court depth, Theis bailed on a favorable chance at landing his next NBA gig.

The 32-year-old instead committed to joining AS Monaco of the EuroLeague, per Donatas Urbonas of Basketnews.com. Two other teams in the EuroLeague, and teams in the NBA, expressed their interest in Theis but the deal-sealing factor for the eight-year veteran was playing a larger role.

Theis played 16.3 minutes across 38 games (nine starts) with the Pelicans. He averaged just 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.5 blocks, filling a minimal backup center’s role with the team before New Orleans picked up the phone and called Oklahoma City. The Pelicans wanted to dump Theis’ $2.1 million salary, however, the organization failed to find a trade partner in need of the 6-foot-8, 245-pound bench piece.

The Los Angeles Lakers, for example, had an initial trade agreement in place to acquire center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for rookie standout Dalton Knecht. However, a failed physical from Williams rescinded the trade and left the Luka Donic-LeBron James Lakers without a front-court addition. Theis, available and for a cheap cost, could’ve been a suitable pickup slated for a meaningful role.

Instead, Theis will join fellow ex-NBA players Mike James, Nick Calathes and Donatas Motiejunas on AS Monaco. The France-based team has gone 14-4 this season, sitting third behind Cholet Basket and Paris Basketball. AS Monaco last won a EuroCup Title four years ago in 2021, a team then-led by James.