The Celtics essentially have 3 open roster spots to play with this summer. They've got $5.6 million in mid-level money to play with… assuming they spend the whole thing. So let's start looking at ways to get 3 guys in here who can fill the voids we have. I'm trying to use realistic salary expectations.
Matt Barnes: $1.5 million
Ike Diogu: $1 million
This scenario keeps Marbury in town to back up Rondo, gives us a back up for Pierce, and gives us a serviceable power forward. Barnes would be able to score a little… and if both are running with Steph… maybe he'll opening things up for both to perform slightly above their averages.
Royal Ivey: 884,881 (minimum)
James Singleton: 884,881 (minimum)
This is called "desperately trying to get 3 guys while signing Villanueva". It is admittedly trying to stretch things. But Ivey could be a decent back up option at the point and Singleton could at least spell Pierce for a few minutes a game. They'd definitely have to pony up some dough and sign Big Baby in this scenario.
Stephon Marbury: 2 million
Leo Lyons (undrafted rookie/Missouri): 457,588 (rookie minimum)
I'm afraid someone is going to overpay Gortat… but I think $3 mil. is a fair price to pay for what he brings to the table. I'm hoping Steph will stick around for something between $2 or $2.5 million. In this scenario, we take a flyer on Leo Lyons out of Missouri and hope he can be one of those undrafted rookies that surprises people.
Those are just a few scenarios that I think are possible as the Celtics try to fill their stated needs (back up 3, back up big, back up point). Go ahead and have some fun with this in the comments and present what you think some good combinations would be.
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