Free-Agent Guard Reached out to Brad Stevens, Expressing Interest in Signing with Celtics

Austin Rivers averaged 4.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists for the Timberwolves last season. He also made 35 percent of his threes.

While the Boston Celtics filled their final two-way opening, signing center Neemias Queta, their 15th roster spot remains vacant. Boston's $2.2 million under the second apron, per Spotrac; it's hard to believe the franchise would cross that threshold to add any remaining free agents.

However, intriguing options are available, such as the trio of free-agent forwards the C's met with and worked out, including Lamar Stevens. They also hosted a former NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner who remains unsigned.

And while Boston may wait to see who becomes a casualty of teams trimming rosters before the regular season gets underway, a veteran guard who's still on the market took the proactive approach of reaching out to Celtics president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, to express his interest in filling that 15th roster spot.

On The Bill Simmons Podcast, Austin Rivers conveyed, "I had a great talk with Brad actually like a week ago," adding, "I told him I'd love to be a part of the team. He said a lot of positive things. We'll see if that's something that will come to fruition. I've always loved Brad. I've always been a fan of him."

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The interest was at least mutual earlier this summer when Boston reportedly showed interest in signing the six-foot-four combo guard, per the Globe's Gary Washburn. However, Rivers is looking for more than a mentor role.

At 31 years old, the former Duke Blue Devil has too much left in the tank to take on a role resembling the one Blake Griffin had last season. And with him presumably signing a one-year contract when he finds his next NBA home, doing so wouldn't help his case for playing time when he re-enters free agency next summer.

Rivers averaged a tick under five points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 19.5 minutes per game in 52 appearances with the Timberwolves last season. He also made 35 percent of his 2.4 attempts from three-point range.

To encourage teams to roster veteran players, when a franchise signs someone with at least three years of NBA experience, it only counts $2,019,706 against the salary cap. So, even though Rivers has 11 years of NBA service time, the Celtics could add him without going over the second apron -- barely.

If he's willing to compete for minutes with Payton Pritchard, while the latter may not appreciate the move, it's a signing that would give Boston another ball handler and fortify its guard depth.

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