Boston Celtics roster cuts coming after the last preseason game

The Celtics have one more preseason game and then will have to make some roster moves.

Herald

The Celtics have 18 players on their roster, 14 on guaranteed contracts. Teams are allowed to carry a maximum of 15, so at least three have to go. "We’re not going to make any cuts until after our exhibition season’s over," said coach Brad Stevens. "Then we’ll go from there. I’ll sit down with Mike (Zarren, assistant GM) and Danny (Ainge), and we’ll figure that out." .

I would actually expect 4 cuts but it is possible they could cut just three and see how things go.  The team is barely under the luxury tax and technically they could probably fit one more rookie minimum contract under there.  Especially if it is non-guaranteed (maintaining roster flexibility).

It is a small sample size, but of the 4 non-guaranteed guys Chris Babb has played the most games (5), the most minutes (6 per game), and scored the most points (3.2 per).  Simms, Taylor, and Bell-Holter each only played in 3 games so far.  If any one of them makes the team (based purely on presason game action) it would make sense if it was Babb.

Regardless, I wouldn't be too surprised to see a few of these guys show up on the Maine Red Claws roster.  While they are free agents when they get waived, there's a close relationship between getting training camp invitations and taking the next step to the D-League team.

Of course there's always the small chance that a trade could happen before the regular season tips off.  That would change the dynamic of these roster cuts, but I wouldn't expect it.