The Boston Celtics have had one roster space open since the 2023–24 season began. They can choose how to handle it. Neemias Queta could be left open, converted to a conventional contract, or signed by someone who is bought out. Delon Wright is a player they might investigate if they decide to go with the last option.
NBC Sports In a column published on February 9, Boston’s Darren Hartwell outlined the reasons why the Celtics might consider Wright.
Wright would be a reasonable buyout candidate, especially if he wants to join a contender, but the Wizards haven’t said they want to waive him. The 31-year-old wing is hitting 38.9 percent from three this season and is a willing passer (6.3 assists per 36 minutes).
Wright has been with the Wizards since the NBA trade deadline on February 8, but given their 9-43 record, that may easily change. Wright was a journeyman in the NBA. Wright has not played for a single team for more than a season since joining the Raptors for his first three and a half seasons. That was prior to his 2022 signing with the Wizards, where he has been ever since.
Wright has been with the Raptors, Grizzlies, Mavericks, Pistons, Kings, Hawks, and Wizards before landing with the Hawks.
Expert Questions If Wizards Will Release Delon Wright
Even though the Wizards are virtually eliminated from the playoff picture, Wright might not be waived. When inquired about if Wright was a possibility, Brian Robb of MassLive explained why he might not go anywhere.
“I would be shocked to see Delon Wright acquired.” In a piece published on February 10, Robb stated, “He’s playing a good amount with the Wizards right now, and giving up his Bird Rights would impact his free agent market potentially next summer.” “If the Wizards keep him through this season, they have the option to sign and trade him even if they decide not to keep him.”
Wright might not be drawn to the Celtics as a free agent if the Wizards decide to buy him out. Wright would presumably prefer to sign with a team where he could play, just like any other player who enters the buyout market. The Celtics have Xavier Tillman and Jaden Springer as reinforcements, and they already have their rotation mapped out.
Prior to the trade deadline, the Celtics targeted Delon Wright.
Before the NBA trade deadline passed, Boston expressed interest in Delon Wright. In a story published on February 5, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype revealed that Wright was among the Celtics’ objectives.
“League sources told HoopsHype that Boston has shown interest in a wide range of trade targets, including Kelly Olynyk, Delon Wright, Andre Drummond, and others.”
Needless to say, after the deadline passed, the Celtics did not end up with Wright—or any of the other targets indicated above, either. They ultimately got Tillman and Springer instead. But their interest at the deadline would have indicated that the Celtics would make an inquiry about Wright in the event that the Wizards waived him.
Robb made the observation that neither party would gain from Wright’s waiver. In the offseason, though, the Celtics might consider making a sign-and-trade.
Matt John writes for Heavy.com about the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics. He was born in Massachusetts and has been covering the NBA since 2018. He has worked for Basketball Insiders, FanSided, and Basketball News. Additional information on Matt John
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