The Celtics have been granted a $8.4MM disabled player exception to replace Gordon Hayward for the season, Shams Charania of The Vertical tweets.
Disabled player exceptions can be granted to teams that lose a player to a season-ending injury. They’re worth either half the injured player’s salary, or the amount of the mid-level exception, whichever is lesser.
[RELATED: Hoops Rumors Glossary: Disabled Player Exception]
As Bobby Marks of ESPN explains, the C’s already have an open roster spot and can thus sign, claim or trade for a player whose contract will expire at the end of 2017/18.
There’s no particular rush for the Celtics to go out and acquire a player now, however, as the team will have until March 10 to actually use the exception.
It’s possible that president of basketball operations Danny Ainge will continue to audition his new-look roster and narrow down their most glaring need at a later date.
As we wrote about yesterday, there are slim pickings left on the free agent wire but a number of veterans who could conceivably add value to a contending team like Boston.
Jahlil Okafor fits into this FWIW. They could trade a couple picks and not have to worry about sending out another player.
Only if the Sixers decline his option for next could he fit into, not otherwise.
I don’t see him as a player for need though they need more of a out side shooter or backup shooting guard or PG
I think they’re actually good in the backcourt with Irving, Rozier, Smart, and even Larkin all playing pretty well to start the season. Hopefully Brown with straighten out his shot soon and either Semi, Yabu, or Morris will emerge as a solid outside shooter.
Semi and Morris don’t have a outside shot but I agree with the pg note they still need that kinda deep threat that Hayward would have brought maybe a Mike Miller or Dunleavey jr
Morris is streaky but not shy and I think Semi will end being a better shooter in the NBA than Crowder