Boston Celtics

Rival NBA executives reportedly believe the Boston Celtics can offer the best player in a Kevin Durant trade package, likely in the form of Jaylen Brown, but think the C's will "probably balk" if the Brooklyn Nets insist on another key starter in the deal.

Jay King of The Athletic reported Wednesday the Celtics would be hesitant to add either Marcus Smart or Robert Williams III to the offer, while it's unclear whether the Nets view Derrick White as a significant enough piece alongside Brown and first-round draft picks.

Boston has emerged as a potential landing spot for Durant in large part because it features the assets necessary to satisfy Brooklyn, which is seeking a king's ransom for 12-time All-Star.

The Celtics initially offered Brown, White and one draft pick, but the Nets rejected the proposal, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Brooklyn, which has also received KD interest from the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors, asked Boston for Brown, Smart, multiple picks and potentially another rotation player in the deal, according to Charania.

So it's clear the sides have quite a gap to close to pull off a blockbuster deal.

The question for the Celtics is whether they're willing to break up their core in a major way for a chance to pair Durant with Jayson Tatum to form perhaps the NBA's best one-two punch.

It's an intriguing option given the nightmare matchup KD and Tatum would represent, but giving up two or three impact pieces along with future draft picks would also come with a lot of risk for a franchise that's been on the brink of a championship in recent years.

Boston has qualified for the playoffs in eight straight seasons, and it's reached at least the Eastern Conference Finals in four of the past six years. It reached last season's NBA Finals before falling short against the Golden State Warriors in six games.

A trade centered around Brown and White is more palatable for the Celtics, but moving a defensive stalwart like Smart or Williams without a direct replacement is a tough ask, especially since it would also include multiple first-rounders.

It'll be interesting to see whether the teams can find any common ground. Brooklyn is more likely to drop its asking price as training camp draws closer as it tries to avoid another drama-filled season like it dealt with in 2021-22.

If not, the Celtics should remain confident about staying in the championship conversation, even without landing Durant.

When news broke Monday that the Boston Celtics had been willing to offer Jaylen Brown to the Brooklyn Nets in a trade for Kevin Durant, it didn't appear to sit well with the 25-year-old. His tweet shortly after the reports came out indicated as much.

Smh

— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 25, 2022

Brown reportedly wants to remain with the Celtics, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic, but how much damage have they done? A number of NBA officials who spoke with Bleacher Report believe the Celtics should be worried. Even if the Celtics had made a cursory call—which NBA teams do all the time when a top-flight player like Durant becomes available—league insiders believe this flirtation with Durant could easily come back to bite them.

While trade rumors are nothing new to Brown—he's been mentioned in unsubstantiated trade rumors for Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Ben Simmons and Anthony Davis—this round of trade talks involving him is unlike past conversations.

Why?

Brown just completed his sixth NBA season, all of which have seen the Celtics make the playoffs. He has been part of three trips to the Eastern Conference Finals or beyond. In his most recent trip, he and the Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals pushing the Golden State Warriors to six games.

And Boston just swept the Durant-led Nets in the first round of the playoffs. Brown came away from that series—and the rest of the playoffs—looking like a true star.

"Jaylen won't let this affect his play, but he won't forget this, either," one Eastern Conference scout said. "The kind of season he had, the team had…I know this is a business and he knows it's a business, but hearing your name in trade rumors, even if it's Kevin Durant in the deal, can't feel good considering how he played against KD and how the Celtics did against the Nets."

Another league executive said he can understand why Brown seeing his name brought up in trade rumors this time around—even for a player like Durant—is a different kind of feeling than previous times he was mentioned as being on the trade block.

"When you give your blood, sweat and tears, as I know he has to that team, and you don't feel you're getting that same love back, it'll definitely make you look different or look twice at your front office and how they do things," said a Western Conference coach.

It isn't unprecedented for a team that came up just short of winning an NBA title to make dramatic changes the following year. But the Celtics were a different kind of title contender, in large part because they are led by a pair of players who are 25 or younger.

Brad Stevens, Boston's president of basketball operations, was careful in adding to the mix of his roster without touching his core group. Earlier in July, the Celtics acquired Malcolm Brogdan via trade from Indiana and signed Danilo Gallinari after he cleared waivers, addressing two of their more glaring weaknesses from last season—bench scoring and a perimeter stretch big.

Still, even if the Celtics did nothing other than throw out some names to stir up conversation with Brooklyn, they have more to be worried about than Brown's feelings. Their success last season was heavily fueled by the behind-the-scenes togetherness that allowed them to stand strong during turbulent times, of which there were plenty.

The Celtics have gradually built themselves into a potential title contender for years to come. Because of their youthful core, the Celtics don't have to make major changes to their roster to remain an elite NBA team.

A Durant deal would fundamentally change Boston's core dynamic. A second Eastern Conference scout pointed to the impact Durant would have on Tatum, who has blossomed into a top-tier superstar himself.

"Can those two co-exist?" the scout said. "Both need the ball in their hands to be impactful. Both are long, long-range shooters, can put the ball on the floor and score in a lot of ways. But can they play nice with each other? I have no idea."

So, why take something that works and try something that might not work?

Because winning an NBA title is about taking chances in making deals that are good for many but don’t necessarily create a clear pathway toward a championship.

But that ultimate prize, an NBA title, has to be the end result if you are the Boston Celtics.

Because anything short of that while moving on from Brown will make this potential deal for Durant an absolute disaster.

Jayson Tatum didn't seem like someone anxious to break up the Boston Celtics after they reached the NBA Finals last season.

Nick Friedell of ESPN reported Tuesday that Tatum didn't want to talk about trade speculation while in New York City for a documentary premiere, but he did say "I love our team."

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Monday the Celtics offered Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and a draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant but were "less inclined" to include Marcus Smart.

It appeared as if Brown wasn't the biggest fan of being included in potential trade packages:

Smh

— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 25, 2022

Boston made the NBA Finals in large part because of Brown's two-way impact. He is just 25 years old with the abilities to stretch the floor from deep, attack off the bounce and defend an opponent's best player, and it's not every day a player of his caliber and age is possibly available in a trade.

It's also not every day a team that just reached the Finals could add a generational talent such as Durant.

Pairing Durant with Tatum could be what maximizes Boston's wide-open championship window. The future Hall of Famer is an all-time player with a resume that includes two titles, two NBA Finals MVPs, the 2013-14 MVP award, four scoring titles, 10 All-NBA selections and 12 All-Star nods.

The Celtics also run the risk of upsetting team chemistry by trying to land Durant, whether they acquire him or not.

Tatum surely isn't going to say anything that could make that possibility worse, especially before a potential trade is finalized. And it isn't a stretch to suggest the Celtics could win the championship if Tatum, Brown, Smart, Robert Williams III and the newly acquired Malcolm Brogdon are leading the way.

Still, this may be the rare opportunity to get a worthwhile return for a player of Brown's caliber.

Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported Tuesday that "this seems to be the first moment the Celtics have truly explored the possibility of moving Brown" since they backed away from doing so in previous potential deals for Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Davis.

"There aren't many players Boston would swap Brown for, but the Celtics franchise has coveted Durant since before his 2006-07 draft year, when they fumbled games in an attempt to land him or Greg Oden that June," Fischer wrote.

Maybe the Celtics will land Durant, but Tatum seems like he would be fine with it if they don't.

Boston Celtics fans apparently draw the line at Marcus Smart when it comes to any deal for Kevin Durant.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the Brooklyn Nets rejected a deal centered around Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and a draft pick for Durant. The Nets reportedly want at least Brown and Marcus Smart along with picks and possibly more.

Celtics fans were not happy about it:

I absolutely do not want to give up an all star player like Jaylen brown, Marcus Smart and a pick for someone whose declining like Durant. https://t.co/O77aAHsF8v

— Michael DeMaio (@DeMaio22) July 25, 2022

Nets asking for Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and picks for KD? Yeah the Celtics ain't doing that LMAO. Just move on bruh y'all already have a top 3 team in the East, why trade the players that had a huge part in you becoming that good? Doesn't make sense to me

— Kabory (@KingKDP13) July 25, 2022

Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown and multiple picks.

Not saying no because it’s Kevin Durant, saying no because why should we rip our finals bound roster, especially after we’ve shown we can guard KD.

— tai lung (@FlakoSentYa) July 25, 2022

https://twitter.com/bradyclips/status/1551532056051679233

Boston needs to counter back grant Williams and another pick instead of Marcus smart and get this done

— 2025 has arrived (@brooks_english) July 25, 2022

If this is to be believed, I have no idea how the Nets trade Durant. If you get a Brown/White/pick offer and ask them to also add in MARCUS SMART, the talks aren’t close. https://t.co/qpkkwQwI4w

— Josh Engleman (@JoshEngleman) July 25, 2022

Sean marks greedy ass will prolly ask Rob williams, Marcus smart and jaylen brown and multiple draft picks for KD lol

— Zen (@zenitfrbackup) July 25, 2022

Yeah. But they want Marcus smart too and picks and that’s the deal breaker for me.

— “J.R.” ☘️ (@jrdarville) July 25, 2022

https://twitter.com/snaphoodie/status/1551536396132818946

Smart is the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year and averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game last season.

The 28-year-old has been named first-team All-Defense three times and has twice won the league's Hustle Award, which helps make him a fan favorite in Boston.

Even with these attributes, Smart is still somewhat limited offensively with a career high of 13.1 points per game in 2020-21. His career 38.2 field-goal percentage and 32.1 three-point percentage also show his inconsistency on that end of the court.

Durant, a 12-time All-Star, two-time Finals MVP and four-time scoring champion, remains an elite offensive weapon at 33, as he averaged 29.9 points per game with a 51.8 field-goal percentage and 38.3 three-point percentage last season.

Even in a relatively down year for him from an efficiency standpoint, he finished 2021-22 with a 4.8 value over replacement player to tie for sixth in the league, per Basketball Reference. That is more than Smart (1.5) and Brown (2.2) combined.

Both Smart (5.6) and Brown (5.8) set career highs in win shares last season, but both fell well short of Durant (8.4), who had his worst mark since 2008-09 with at least 40 games played.

If Durant stays healthy, he is one of the game's best players and someone who can carry a squad to a championship. The offseason addition of Malcolm Brogdon also makes Smart more expendable in Boston.

Of course, the Celtics did just reach the NBA Finals with a team led by Jayson Tatum, Smart and Brown. Fans clearly want to keep the roster intact as they try to get over the top to a title.

The Boston Celtics have reportedly emerged as a potential suitor in Kevin Durant trade talks.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Celtics have been in "regular contact" with the Nets regarding a trade but "appear no closer to acquiring Durant than others." The Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns have been the most regularly mentioned potential suitors.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN later told 98.7 Arizona Sports that the discussions with the Celtics were not "fresh talks" and that the offer was likely "weeks old," per Sarah Kezele.

Boston's ability to deal Jaylen Brown could give the Celtics a leg up in talks should they start to heat up.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the Celtics offered Brown, Derrick White and an undisclosed draft pick for Durant. The Nets countered by asking for Brown, Marcus Smart, draft picks and another rotation player.

Boston has balked at including Smart in trade talks.

The Celtics' willingness to include Brown—regardless of Smart's involvement—in trade talks likely makes them the favorites to land Durant.

The Suns, once considered the front-runners, are essentially out of the conversation after having to match the Indiana Pacers' offer sheet to Deandre Ayton. Phoenix's best trade package would have included a sign-and-trade of Ayton, given the team's understandable unwillingness to part with Devin Booker.

The Heat could include Bam Adebayo in talks, but Brooklyn and Miami would require a third team to get involved and take on Ben Simmons. The Nets could not have Adebayo and Simmons on their roster because both are on designated rookie extensions; NBA rules prohibit teams from trading for more than one player on a designated contract.

The Raptors' most attractive trade chip is Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, but Toronto has shown no willingness to make him available. Adding Durant also would not necessarily make the Raptors an NBA Finals favorite.

The Celtics have the best player who is realistically available to the Nets in trade talks. Brown doesn't turn 26 until October, has been a 20-point scorer for three straight seasons and has never gotten a chance to be a true lead option on offense.

It's also possible Brown is motivated to leave Boston even though the team is coming off an NBA Finals berth. He liked a tweet last month about feeling "disrespected" by fans, given his semi-regular inclusion in trade speculation.

Hearing the Celtics offered him to Brooklyn is unlikely to heal whatever wounds exist. Don't be surprised if Brown looks to find a new home for himself ahead of next season, regardless of whether the Celtics wind up landing Durant. Brown has two years remaining on his contract, giving him leverage to force a deal if the "disrespect" isn't rectified.

The Boston Celtics reportedly wanted to make sure Malcolm Brogdon was willing to come off the bench before acquiring him in a trade with the Indiana Pacers earlier this month.

"Before pulling the trigger on the trade with Indiana, the Celtics asked around about Brogdon's locker room demeanor," Jay King of The Athletic reported.

The Celtics "envisioned him in a backup role in Boston and wanted to gauge how he would react to that reality." The point guard reportedly "has sounded ready to embrace it."

Brogdon started every game he played during his three seasons with the Pacers. He finished last year averaging 19.1 points, 5.9 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game.

The 29-year-old was even better in 2020-21 with averages of 21.2 points, 5.9 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 38.8 percent from three-point range.

The trade gives Boston another offensive weapon alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, which could help the Celtics get over the top after losing in the NBA Finals last season.

That said, front offices have to be careful about messing with rotations and chemistry after a successful year.

Marcus Smart is the team's incumbent starter at point guard and won the league's Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2021-22. With the defense provided by Smart and Robert Williams III and scoring from Tatum and Brown, the Celtics are seemingly happy with the starting lineup.

Brogdon could carry the second unit while putting pressure on opponents throughout the game.

Per King, team president Brad Stevens believes the key will be for players to put the team first.

"We do have a deep team. There will be the need to give a little, which is very important," Stevens said. "But I think everybody here is ready to do that. They got a taste of what it's all about in June, and it's pretty clear what we want to do here."

The background on Brogdon showed he is a good fit for Boston as it tries to bring home a title.

Marcus Smart's status with the Boston Celtics was put into question on Friday when the franchise acquired Malcolm Brogdon from the Indiana Pacers. However, the veteran's role reportedly will not change.

Smart will remain Boston's "unquestioned starting point guard," according to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, who added the Celtics were "simply looking to add depth."

"Brogdon and [Danilo] Gallinari both had starring roles, but they’re willing to step back in order to pursue championships," Himmelsbach wrote.

Chris Murphy of the Boston Herald added Brogdon is expected to be the team's sixth man.

Even if Brogdon was to take over the starting role, it doesn't seem like Smart would be upset about it as he welcomed the former Pacer and Gallinari to the C's on Friday, adding that winning Boston an 18th NBA title is all he cares about.

Man REALLY excited about the moves we made today!! Want to welcome @gallinari8888 and @MalcolmBrogdon7 to bean town ☘️… #banner18 is all that’s on my mind!!

— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) July 1, 2022

Smart has been the heart and soul of the Celtics since being selected sixth overall in the 2014 NBA draft. The 28-year-old has been particularly impressive over the last three seasons, but he had arguably the best season of his career in 2021-22.

Smart averaged 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.7 steals during the regular season while shooting 41.8 percent from the floor and 33.1 percent from deep. His performance helped the Celtics finish second in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record, and he was also the first guard to be named Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton in 1996.

The Oklahoma State product was just as impressive in the playoffs, averaging 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 40.5 percent from the floor and 35.0 percent from deep.

However, Smart's efforts weren't enough as the Celtics came up short in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

The championship round revealed that the biggest need for Boston this summer was depth scoring off the bench. By adding both Brogdon and Gallinari, the franchise will have a greatly improved bench next season that also consists of Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Grant Williams.

Smart remaining in the starting lineup also makes too much sense for Boston, as he is already comfortable with Ime Udoka's system and has been playing alongside stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for a number of seasons.

That said, Brogdon should see plenty of playing time.

In 36 games during the 2021-22 season, the 29-year-old averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists while shooting 44.8 percent from the floor and 31.2 percent from deep.

Brogdon's skills will be more than welcomed off the bench, and he should help improve Boston's offense next season and beyond.

Fresh off the disappointment from their loss in the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics are making moves to get over the final hurdle.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics are acquiring Malcolm Brogdon from the Indiana Pacers for Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan and a 2023 first-round pick.

https://twitter.com/dieter/status/1542929422453420033

One of the few flaws with Boston's roster last season was the lack of a traditional point guard who can create offense with his shot and by passing.

Enter: Malcolm Brogdon.

The 29-year-old averaged 6.3 assists per game in three seasons with the Pacers. He had a 50-40-90 season with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018-19 and owns a 37.6 percent career success rate from three-point range.

I said on multiple podcasts that the Pacers had basically put Brogdon out by the curb with “FREE!” like an old chair. But look, when he’s healthy, he’s 19-5-5 on 40%-plus from 3.

— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) July 1, 2022

Last three players to record a 50/40/90% season (min. 25 MPG):

— Kyrie Irving
— Malcolm Brogdon
— Steph Curry pic.twitter.com/fcK6xIGMlV

— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 1, 2022

Guards that averaged 20+ PPG, 5+ RPG and 5+ APG over the last 2 seasons:

— Malcolm Brogdon
— Steph Curry
— James Harden
— Russell Westbrook
— Luka Doncic

Elite list. pic.twitter.com/lASSdVnLUd

— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 1, 2022

They can roll out Brogdon-Smart-Jaylen-Tatum-Horford and you have high level shooter, elite defense, and someone toa ctually get the offensive organized so it doesn’t melt into garbage.

— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) July 1, 2022

Malcolm Brogdon is a shooter, defender, ball-mover. High IQ player, high-character guy.

Tremendous trade by Brad Stevens.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) July 1, 2022

marcus smart AND malcolm brogdon on the same team ??? pic.twitter.com/ioy5JpWorI

— smarfwater™ (@smarfwater) July 1, 2022

Adding to the good vibes for the Celtics is what they had to give up for Brogdon.

It was an open secret that the Pacers were looking to trade at least one of Brogdon and Myles Turner, but Boston president of basketball operations Brad Stevens didn't have to give up one of his top eight players to make the deal happen.

There’s a reason Brodgon was available at this price, but to get the upgrade they wanted, that’s the kind of player you go for. Boston can AFFORD carving out injury space for Brogdon.

— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) July 1, 2022

What the Celtics gave up for Brogdon pic.twitter.com/8GFYW72WWy

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2022

Boston got Malcolm Brogdon for a bag of chips pic.twitter.com/X6fB0UCdkb

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) July 1, 2022

There are sound reasons why Brogdon may have been available at such a low cost in talent. He is owed $67.6 million over the next three years and has missed 141 games between the regular season and playoffs since 2017-18.

The Celtics' roster is equipped to keep Brogdon's legs fresh for an entire season because of how much depth they have.

Celtics next year:

Jayson Tatum
Jaylen Brown
Malcolm Brogdon
Marcus Smart
Al Horford
Robert Williams III
Derrick White

Another NBA Finals appearance loading? 👀 pic.twitter.com/qSm9biG74l

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 1, 2022

Oh, and they appear to be adding even more depth. Brian Robb of MassLive.com reported Danilo Gallinari is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Celtics when he clears waivers.

With Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Gallinari, the Celtics will have all sorts of depth.

— Jay King (@ByJayKing) July 1, 2022

The Celtics are not messing around.

— Jay King (@ByJayKing) July 1, 2022

Boston was arguably the best team in the NBA from Jan. 15 until running into the buzzsaw that is Golden State in the Finals. They finished 29-9 over the final 38 games in the regular season and had the second-best net rating in the league overall (plus-7.5).

Boston's defense should remain a strength with a healthy Robert Williams III, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.

Brogdon's offensive upside in the backcourt solves one of the few weaknesses on the roster, as long as he can stay on the court.

Veteran forward Danilo Gallinari is reportedly set to sign with the Boston Celtics after he's released by the San Antonio Spurs and clears waivers.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Gallinari's preference to join the Celtics. Brian Robb of MassLive added the 33-year-old Italian is expected to sign a two-year contract using the team's $6.5 million taxpayer mid-level exception.

The Spurs acquired Gallinari in the blockbuster Dejounte Murray trade with the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

Gallinari is an ideal fit for Boston on paper as a stretch 4 who can make an offensive impact without needing a ton of touches.

He averaged 12.4 points while attempting 9.4 shots per game across two seasons with the Hawks. His usage rate last season (18.4 percent) hit its lowest mark since his rookie year with the New York Knicks in 2008-09.

His career field-goal percentage (42.8) is subpar, but he's knocked down 38.2 percent of his threes and 87.7 percent of his free throws in 13 NBA seasons.

Although Gallinari is in his mid-30s, he said after the season that he came out of the campaign without any physical concerns.

"I felt great. My body felt great," he told reporters in April after the Miami Heat eliminated the Hawks from the playoffs. "I'm very happy with the way that I was able to play all these games and sustain the season."

The Celtics' starting lineup is locked in with Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Robert Williams III, so Gallinari is ticketed for a reserve role in Boston.

He could form a platoon with Grant Williams for reserve minutes at the 4. He'll handle a larger share of the minutes when Boston is seeking offense, and Williams will step in when it's more of a defensive situation.

The Celtics figure to remain among the NBA's championship contenders heading into the 2022-23 campaign, so proven depth will be important coming off a year where they played 106 games counting the playoffs.

Gallinari can take some offensive pressure off Tatum and Brown while stepping into the starting lineup if needed, giving a nice boost to the rotation.

Veteran center Thomas Bryant is on the radar for some marquee teams in free agency.

Per Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are among teams that have shown "significant interest" in Bryant.

Haynes added that Bryant is expected to make a final decision Friday.

Bryant has some familiarity with the Lakers. He was acquired by the team in a draft-day trade in 2017 with the Utah Jazz, who selected him No. 42 overall.

Bryant was assigned to the South Bay Lakers in the G League to start his rookie season. The Indiana University alum made his NBA debut on Dec. 23, 2017. He wound up playing 15 games off the bench in Los Angeles.

Bryant was claimed off waivers by the Washington Wizards in July 2018. His career took off in his first season with the club as he averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds in 72 appearances.

Injuries began to take a toll on Bryant starting with the 2019-20 season, though. He missed 26 games total, including 20 straight due to a hip injury.

A torn ACL limited Bryant to just 10 games during the 2020-21 campaign. The 24-year-old returned from the injury in January after missing the first 41 games this season. He averaged 7.4 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in 27 appearances in 2021-22.

Given how many significant injuries Bryant has had over the past three seasons, his new team should carefully manage his minutes in 2022-23.

If the Lakers want to keep Anthony Davis as their starting center next season, Bryant wouldn't be a bad backup option. They could also sign Bryant to be their starter and potentially sign another low-cost free agent to play behind him.

The Celtics currently have Robert Williams III and Daniel Theis. It might be difficult for Bryant to get extensive playing time because of their depth at the position, but they do offer an opportunity to win, having just reached the NBA Finals before losing to the Golden State Warriors.