Report: Celtics likely to waive Will Bynum (Updated: If they can't make another move first)
Boston acquired guard Will Bynum from the Pistons for Joel Anthony yesterday, a deal that's only real purpose was to save the Celtics a little bit of money. Bynum will make $2.9 million this year, Anthony $3.8 mil. That $900,000 difference gets the C's about $2 million below the luxury tax line (here's a breakdown of the salary situation from Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston).
The Celtics have 16 players on guaranteed contracts, and must make a move to get the roster down to 15 before opening night on October 29. According to The Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, the team is likely to now cut Bynum:
Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and guard Will Bynum are expected to meet on Saturday, according to two NBA sources, and the team is likely to waive Bynum, who was acquired Friday from the Detroit Pistons.
Bynum, 31, is in Boston and will take his physical before he and his representatives meet with Ainge.
After Saturday’s meeting, that move is expected to be Bynum, who will garner interest on the free agent market once he is placed on waivers.
Even if the Celtics waive Bynum, they still have to pay him and his contract is still on the books. So why not wait and try to make another trade in the next 10 days before just giving up and eating his salary?
UPDATE:
It appears Danny Ainge and I are on the same page. From The Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett:
Bynum won't play in last two preseason games, but sources say Celts will wait to check for other moves before waiving him.
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) October 18, 2014
To clarify, another deal could clear the way for Bynum to stay with the Celts, who do like him. But, as of now, he'd be the odd man out.
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) October 18, 2014
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