The Boston Celtics are signing big man Enes Kanter after he spent a year with the Portland Trail Blazers for the second time in 3 years. Kanter has bounced between the two teams in the span of just three free agency periods. Boston has lost some talent this offseason so a familiar face may help the franchise regain some stability for the upcoming season. Kanter will likely serve as the backup to another returned face in Al Horford.
Free agent center Enes Kanter has agreed to a one-year deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Kanter returns to Boston to compete in the Eastern Conference title race.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 4, 2021
Enes Kanter seems to be a solid fit for Boston who needed some depth in the frontcourt. Brad Stevens has spent his time in his new role reshaping the roster that he used to coach. Last year was a poor showing for the Celtics and they hope to rectify that this upcoming season. This is Boston’s first signing in the 2021 NBA Free Agency period. The roster will likely be mostly as it is now, but Boston is always looking for deals. Reports seem to indicate that Boston wishes to preserve cap space for free agents in the 2022 NBA Free Agency period.
Per a source: The Boston Celtics are focused on keeping their cap sheet as clean as possible for 2022 free agency. Source said they are not out on Evan Fournier, but Boston and Fournier aren’t close on a deal.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) August 2, 2021
Evan Fournier ended up signing with the New York Knicks, so Boston’s cap space in 2022 will have more flexibility. There are several names that they will be keeping an eye on with Washington Wizard’s shooting guard Bradley Beal being at the top of the list.
