Former Celtics Trade Target Otto Porter Jr. Waived by Jazz: Report

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Otto Porter Jr.

Another free agent option for Boston Celtics will soon hit the market. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported via his X account that the Utah Jazz have waived former Celtics trade target Otto Porter Jr.

The Raptors traded Porter to the Jazz at the trade deadline as part of their deal to acquire former Celtics big man Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji. Porter did not play a single game for the Jazz. On the season, Porter played in 15 games, averaging 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds while shooting 42.4% from the field and 34.8% from three. Injuries have limited Porter over the past two seasons, as he has played in 23 total games since helping the Warriors win the 2022 title.

Although he poses an injury risk, Porter would bring championship experience to the Celtics roster. However, signing him would have a problem. Because the Jazz did not waive him before the March 1 deadline, he would not be eligible for the playoffs.

The Celtics might be better off using their last roster spot on someone who could play in the playoffs. They could also bring in Porter early next offseason.

The Celtics targeted Otto Porter Jr. at the trade deadline

The Celtics have already shown interest in Porter. Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that the Celtics considered acquiring him with the Grant Williams trade exception.

“Elsewhere at the top of the Eastern Conference, Boston has been evaluating various options that could add depth to the Celtics bench, according to league sources. Boston will likely be limited to adding pieces through its $6.25 million traded player exception with which the Celtics could bring in a veteran target such as Otto Porter Jr., sources said,” wrote Fischer. in a story from February 6.

Porter could have been part of the Celtics’ exception since he was owed $6.3 million on his contract, with teams able to acquire players making up to $100,000 more than the exception they own. Instead, the Celtics took advantage of part of the exception to acquire Jaden Springer from the Philadelphia 76ers.

With Porter set to hit the open market, the Celtics could sign him outright. If they did, they would have managed to get one of their targets while using the exception to get another.

Celtics linked to Otto Porter Jr. before buyout

On February 29, the radio host John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 reported that Celtics reportedly interested in Porter if the Jazz bought him. However, Gambadoro mentioned that Porter would have another interested suitor besides Boston.

“THE Clippers are interested (in Porter), the Celtics are interested (and) the Suns are not. » said Gambadoro.

At the time, however, Porter did not ask the Jazz to get rid of him. Additionally, Gambadoro added that Porter could very well sit out the season if they waive him.

“The Celtics and Clippers are interested in Otto Porter Jr., but he has not requested a buyout at this point, and he has not requested a waiver at this point. There’s a chance he’ll be done playing this season.

Now that the Jazz have waived Porter, he can sign with anyone. However, once again, a big problem for any interested suitor is that he can’t play for them in the playoffs now. The Celtics could very well look to the offseason to add him if they maintain interest in him.

In Porter’s case, he could sit out the rest of the season to ensure his health is good. Porter’s lack of availability over the past two seasons

Matt John covers the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy.com. A Massachusetts native, he has covered the NBA since 2018, with stops at FanSided, Basketball News and Basketball Insiders. Learn more about Matt John