The Boston Celtics, fresh off their 18th NBA championship, are facing a financial crunch that’s forcing some tough choices at the center position. With their roster already stretched thin and their payroll ballooning, the loss of Luke Kornet to the San Antonio Spurs on a hefty four-year, $41 million deal has left a gaping hole in the frontcourt. Adding to the uncertainty, Al Horford’s future with the team remains up in the air, with rumors swirling about a potential departure. As the Celtics scramble to rebuild their depth chart, they’re turning to low-cost, high-upside options to keep their championship dreams alive. Enter Jock Landale, the Houston Rockets’ recently waived big man, who could be the unexpected answer to Boston’s prayers.
Boston’s roster is currently at the 15-player limit, but the team’s financial situation is far from ideal. After inking Luka Garza to a modest two-year, $5.5 million deal and signing Josh Minnot, the Celtics have crossed the dreaded second apron of the luxury tax, sitting a staggering $20.3 million over the threshold. The punitive collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is squeezing the franchise, forcing them to make tough decisions to trim payroll before the regular season begins. With more moves on the horizon, Boston must shed salary to avoid crippling penalties, making cost-effective signings like Landale all the more appealing.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Houston Rockets are waiving Jock Landale ahead of his contract’s July 7 guarantee date. The 29-year-old Australian center, a four-year NBA veteran, is expected to clear waivers and choose his next destination. Could Boston be that landing spot? Landale’s skill set makes him an intriguing fit for the Celtics’ fast-paced, transition-heavy style. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in just 11.9 minutes per game across 42 appearances for Houston. While his numbers don’t jump off the page, his athleticism and ability to run the floor could complement Boston’s up-tempo attack.
Landale’s shooting stroke adds another dimension. He connected on an impressive 42.3% of his three-point attempts last season, albeit on limited volume (0.6 attempts per game). His career three-point percentage sits at a respectable 29.7% on 1.1 attempts per game, suggesting he can stretch the floor when needed. For a Celtics team that thrives on spacing and versatility, Landale could provide a spark off the bench, especially at a bargain price.
Boston’s current 15-man roster leaves no room for additions without corresponding subtractions. Signing Landale would require the Celtics to part ways with at least one player before opening night. While the team’s depth is a strength, the financial realities of the second apron mean that no roster spot is safe. The Celtics are already bracing for more departures as they work to dip below the luxury tax threshold, a move that’s critical to maintaining flexibility for future transactions.
Landale represents the kind of low-risk, high-reward gamble the Celtics need right now. His athleticism, rim-running ability, and occasional three-point shooting align with Boston’s desire to play faster and more dynamically. At 29, he’s still in his prime, offering a blend of experience and untapped potential. Most importantly, his likely minimum or near-minimum contract fits Boston’s tight budget, allowing them to bolster their frontcourt without breaking the bank.
The Celtics’ championship pedigree demands creativity in navigating the CBA’s constraints. While shedding $20.3 million in salary to dip below the luxury tax is no small feat, the potential addition of Landale could be a savvy move in a summer full of tough choices. As Boston juggles roster cuts and financial maneuvering, the prospect of adding a forgotten big man like Landale could prove to be a masterstroke. Will the Celtics take a flyer on the Rockets’ castoff, or will their financial bind force them to look elsewhere? One thing’s clear: the defending champions are in for a wild offseason ride.