Former Celtic Secures Buyout, Retaining Playoff-Eligibility

After getting rerouted at the trade deadline, a former Celtic finalizes a contract buyout, freeing him to sign with a contender.

Friday is the final day a player can get waived and remain playoff-eligible. It's worth noting they do not have to sign with a new team by that deadline.

As more individuals secure buyouts, including a former Celtic drawing interest from multiple contenders and a player who could be of interest to Boston, another player C's fans are familiar with is now available.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the San Antonio Spurs have bought Marcus Morris out of his contract, freeing him to join a playoff team.

The 12-year veteran started the current campaign with the Los Angeles Clippers before the Philadelphia 76ers acquired him in their deal for James Harden. The six-foot-eight forward appeared in 37 games with his hometown team.

The 34-year-old averaged 6.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in his brief stint with the Sixers. He also drilled 40 percent of his 2.4 three-point attempts.

At the trade deadline, Philadelphia rerouted him to San Antonio in a three-team deal that sent Doug McDermott to the Indiana Pacers and Buddy Hield to the 76ers.

Morris, who never suited up for the Spurs, spent two seasons with the Celtics, producing 13.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest. He also knocked down 37.2 percent of his 4.8 shots from beyond the arc.

While a reunion with the former lottery pick isn't an option because he was making north of $17 million before getting bought out, and teams operating over the second apron cannot sign a player on the buyout market with an original salary exceeding $12.4 million, Boston does have an open roster spot. Players on the C's are lobbying for Blake Griffin to return to fill that vacancy.

Further Reading

Tired of Celtics' Playoff Inconsistency, Wyc Grousbeck Decided 'We're Not Running It Back'

76ers Gift Celtics Welcome Playoff Prep: 'Taken Tremendous Steps'

Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

Kristaps Porzingis Shares How First Season with Celtics Compares to His Expectations: 'Haven't Stopped Smiling'

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'