Despite commanding a hefty payroll and residing well into the luxury tax territory, the Boston Celtics are still exploring potential upgrades to fortify their roster for a potential NBA title run. President of basketball operations Brad Stevens orchestrated significant changes during the past offseason, including trading away Marcus Smart and Grant Williams and acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.

While the current core remains intact, NBA insider Brian Windhorst highlighted the Celtics’ need for a quality rotation player. With a $6.2 million trade exception and two first-round picks at their disposal, Boston has assets to make moves, but the constraints of a $220 million payroll, including taxes, limit their spending capacity. Windhorst deems it “unlikely” for the Celtics to be highly active in the NBA trade deadline market.

As the team navigates its options, attention is also turned to the buyout market. The Celtics could potentially target players who become available post-deadline and fit within their financial constraints. Windhorst points out that the team can’t sign a player with an original salary exceeding $12.4 million, given their status as a second apron team.

One potential buyout candidate is P.J. Tucker, reportedly discontent with his playing time with the Los Angeles Clippers. Tucker’s defensive prowess and experience could make him a valuable addition, complementing the talents of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

While Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Al Horford contribute as bench players, the Celtics are on the lookout for another consistent contributor who could elevate the team’s chances of making a deep playoff run and contending for an NBA title.