Wyc Grousbeck Expects Celtics to Make Another Move: 'We’re Not Saving Roster Spots for a Rainy Day'

The Celtics are a title contender with a $3.23 million disabled player exception, but seeking a free agent who will accept a role like Blake Griffin's.

At 42-17, the Celtics are atop the NBA standings. It's the best record at the All-Star break by a team with a rookie head coach in the last 50 years.

Joe Mazzulla's rewarded the franchise's faith in him enough to have the interim tag removed from his title ahead of the playoffs, a decision Brad Stevens expounded on in a Thursday teleconference.

Mazzulla also spoke about his promotion, calling it "a dream come true."

Boston's ability to vie for a championship, combined with the $3.23 million disabled player exception the league granted the Celtics due to Danilo Gallinari's ACL tear, makes them as attractive an option as any on the buyout market.

However, joining the deepest team in the NBA means accepting a role where minutes aren't guaranteed. Perhaps, that was relevant in Danny Green's decision to sign with the Cavaliers instead of coming to Boston.

A day after acquiring Mike Muscala at the trade deadline, Stevens expressed the following about the Celtics' search to round out their roster.

"The other thing that is kind of the hard part about this team is, if we were going to make a move to bring in a person that was going to play a ton of minutes, you almost have to subtract somebody else that plays a ton of minutes," conveyed Stevens. "Our team has a good way about itself. I think we’ve got good depth. I think we’ve got thirteen players that can play and impact each other in a really good way. But we also have a bunch of guys that don’t need to do it every night. And so that ability to play, but not have to need to play is a big deal. And I think that’s what we need to have as a team. It’s not about an individual. This is about a goal."

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In a recent appearance on The Greg Hill Show on WEEI, team owner Wyc Grousbeck had this to say about the prospect of Boston making another signing.

"We’re looking at buyout candidates and free agents," Grousbeck said. "I’d be very surprised if we went into the playoffs with an open roster spot, (I) don’t think that’s going to happen. There’s a question whether you sign people to 10-day contracts to check them out if they’re willing to accept a role where the team’s pretty deep, so there may not be a lot of minutes. People don’t necessarily want to sign for that. It might not be good for their career."

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The Celtics have repeatedly praised Blake Griffin for his handling of a role that's not easy to embrace, with Mazzulla saying after Boston beat Griffin's former team, the Pistons, Wednesday, the five-time All-NBA member is a cornerstone of what makes the Celtics' locker room and culture so special.

And when Stevens spoke on the heels of the trade deadline, it was two days after Griffin generated 15 points on 5/8 shooting from beyond the arc in a victory vs. the Sixers.

"Sometimes he doesn’t play for a couple of games. Then [he] just comes back to work, and then has a huge game the other night," Stevens stated. "The only reason we stayed close to the game the other night is because Blake hit a few threes and gave us a chance."

Two games later, Griffin was a spectator for Boston's 119-109 win over the Grizzlies on Super Bowl Sunday.

"Although it might be a fun playoff run, it might not be great for the free agent to sit on the bench," Grousbeck said of the drawback that comes with the role the Celtics are offering. "All those things are in process, but no, we’re not saving roster spots for a rainy day. We just gotta find the right fit."

While Danny Green's off the board, here are some other potential options for Boston on the buyout market.

Further Reading

Joe Mazzulla Opens Up About Celtics Naming Him Head Coach: 'a Dream Come True'

Brad Stevens Discusses Decision to Remove Interim Tag from Joe Mazzulla's Title: 'The Hardest Thing to Do Would Be Going into the Playoffs Looking Over Your Shoulder'

The Layers of the Celtics Naming Joe Mazzulla Head Coach

Jayson Tatum Shares His Reaction to Shorthanded Celtics Nearly Beating the Bucks

Celtics Discuss Marcus Smart's Return to the Lineup: 'I Think We Missed Him a Lot; We missed His Joy'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Pistons: Hosts Don't Let History Repeat Itself

Grant Williams Reportedly Seeking Contract In the $20 Million Annually Range

Celtics Reportedly 'Engaged' with Several Potential Buyout Candidates