Brad Stevens Explains What Celtics Are Seeking On Buyout Market

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, but there will be plenty of buyout candidates for teams like the Boston Celtics to choose from between now and March.

The most valuable player on waivers right now, according to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, is former Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas, although it’s unclear if Thomas would be a good fit in Boston.

Here’s what Celtics president basketball of operations Brad Stevens said on Friday about what he’s looking for in the buyout market for the Celts:

“I would say that what we’ll be looking for will not be somebody that we’re going to ask to come in and, you know … be a part of the everyday rotation when we’re fully healthy,” Stevens said. “But we also need people that can come in, accept that and be ready to help us move this thing down the hill and forward.”

Brad Stevens on what he’s looking for in the buyout market:

“I would say that what will be looking for will not be somebody that we're going to ask to come in and, you know, make be a part of the everyday rotation when we're fully healthy, but we also need people that can come…

— Ian Inangelo (@iinangelo) February 6, 2026

Stevens has had a heck of a deadline at the helm of Boston’s cap sheet, managing to get the Celtics under the luxury tax without forfeiting a first-round pick. Meanwhile, the team remains ultra-competitive, holding a 33-18 record entering Friday amid a season that’s been played thus far entirely without Jayson Tatum.