ESPNBoston.com's Chris Forsberg reports that Celtics coach Doc Rivers does not expect center Jermaine O'Neal to play for the team again this season as he recovers from a wrist injury.
O'Neal's continued absence opens up the possibility of Boston adding another big man through the buyout market, something Rivers hinted at, although he said nothing was imminent.
"Right now there’s no reason to do anything, but if there’s a chance we can get another guy, then we’re going to have make a roster spot," said Rivers, who later added, "There probably will be some [buyout] guys [available]. The buyout follows the trade thing, so then you have to wait and see what you can get. Then we’ll know more."
O'Neal is in the final year of a two-year, $11.9MM contract he signed in the summer of 2010. He is making $6.2MM this season.