Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Multiple Contenders Interested in Signing Former Celtic
The final stretch of the NBA season includes movement on the buyout market as teams aim to strengthen their roster for their playoff push or sign players they're interested in working with beyond the current campaign.
The deadline for a player to get bought out of his contract and remain playoff-eligible is fast approaching. Mar. 1 is the final day an individual can get waived and retain the ability to participate in the playoffs. To state it explicitly, they do not have to latch on with a new team by that deadline.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, an individual drawing interest from multiple contenders this year is Mike Muscala, who's finalizing a buyout with the Detroit Pistons.
The six-foot-ten center spent most of his time with the Boston Celtics on the bench after coming over from the Oklahoma City Thunder at the trade deadline.
They then included him in the deal to acquire Kristaps Porzingis, sending the ten-year veteran to the Washington Wizards. He then got rerouted to the Motor City along with Danilo Gallinari, who's now on the Milwaukee Bucks.
In 13 games with the Pistons, including four starts, Muscala averaged 3.5 points and 2.2 rebounds. He drilled 38.2 percent of his 2.6 three-point attempts.
Because the Minnesota native suited up for another team after the Celtics traded him to the Wizards, Muscala is eligible to rejoin the C's.
However, after sparingly playing for them last season, Boston adding Xavier Tillman at the deadline, and the growth of Luke Kornet, a return right now seems unlikely.
But the team atop the NBA standings, now 46-12 after a 117-99 win against the Philadelphia 76ers, a victory earned in an uncharacteristic style, has an open roster spot.
Players on the team are lobbying for Blake Griffin to return to fill that vacancy.
Further Reading
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'
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'
