Celtics tied to sharpshooting wings in free agency

The Boston Celtics are expected to target cost-effective free agents after finally maneuvering below the dreaded second apron this offseason. 

Boston has already traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to shed salary, and it may not be done cutting costs. The club appears headed for a likely gap year, with Jayson Tatum’s return to the court next season uncertain due to a torn right Achilles. 

According to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, two players who could step in and provide some relief on the wing are veterans Taurean Prince and Tim Hardaway Jr. 

Prince is coming off an efficient campaign from three-point range in his lone season with the Bucks, shooting a career-high 43.9 percent from downtown. He averaged 8.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 three-pointers across 27.1 minutes per game, appearing in 80 regular-season contests (73 starts). 

Hardaway, whom Detroit is reportedly interested in re-signing, brought a steady veteran presence to the Pistons last season. He averaged 11.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.2 three-pointers and 1.6 assists across 28.0 minutes per game over 77 regular-season starts. With Tatum sidelined, the Celtics could look to convince Hardaway to take a pay cut in exchange for a larger role. 

Both players would fit Boston’s high-volume three-point system and help keep the team competitive amid a retooling effort. 

As the Celtics navigate a transitional offseason, adding proven veteran wings would offer stability and an offensive boost. With cap limitations restricting Boston’s financial flexibility, low-cost, high-impact options like Prince and Hardaway could help the team stay afloat in a wide-open Eastern Conference.