Devin Carter just hit the waiver wire, and the Boston Celtics are already circling like sharks. The Atlanta Hawks made a huge call, cutting ties with the 24-year-old former first-round guard, a move confirmed by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. But before the ink is even dry, Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer is reporting the Celtics are showing serious interest in scooping him up once he clears waivers. This isn’t just some quiet roster shuffle; it could be a real difference-maker for Boston in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta’s Tough Call Unlocks a Gem
So, what happened in Atlanta? The Hawks have been busy this summer, moving some serious pieces around. They said goodbye to NBA champions like Jonathan Kuminga and welcomed guys like Lou Dort. With all those roster adjustments, they hit a snag: they were over the allowed roster limit. That’s why they had to make the tough decision to waive Carter, who was on a $22 million rookie contract. It’s a classic business move, but it opens the door for someone else to grab a seriously talented player with a ton of upside. Think about it: a 24-year-old former first-rounder averaging 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in just 18.4 minutes across 38 games for the Sacramento Kings last season. Those are solid numbers for a guy coming off the bench, right?
Boston’s Master Plan For Tatum’s New Duo
Now, why are the Celtics so keen on Carter? Boston is laser-focused on being a top team in the insanely competitive Eastern Conference. Everyone knows Jayson Tatum is on a mission, especially after the team traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. Tatum needs a new partner, a new dynamic duo, and adding a guy like Carter could be exactly what they’re looking for to round out their squad. Celtics Blog’s Noa Dalzell pointed out that Boston currently has 14 players under contract, plus two on two-way deals. If they sign Carter, he’d be their 15th rostered player, filling that final spot.
Imagine Carter, a young guy with upside, learning from established pros like Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and even Tatum himself. He could seriously impact Boston’s bench unit this season. This isn’t some splashy, front-page signing, but it’s exactly the kind of smart, under-the-radar move that championship contenders make to deepen their roster. If they pull this off, the Celtics are not just getting a former first-rounder; they’re getting a young player who could quickly become a vital piece in their pursuit of Eastern Conference supremacy. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay off huge.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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