Celtics should call Oshae Brissett to fill open roster spot

The Boston Celtics have two open roster spots following their decision to trade Jaden Springer to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Per NBA rules, Brad Stevens has 14 days to return his roster to 14 players under contract. 

When the Celtics parted with Springer, they created a $4 million traded player exception because they did not receive any salary back in return. However, under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams over the second apron cannot carry traded player exceptions into a new season, meaning the exception has expired. That leaves Boston looking around the free agent and buyout market. 

Throughout the season, it's been clear the Celtics are short on wing depth. They lost Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk during the summer. Sam Hauser's issues with lower back spams have showcased the Celtics need to add another wing before the postseason arrives. 

That's where Brissett comes in. He's a free agent in the G League. He already knows the team's offensive and defensive systems, has relationships with the players and coaches, and understands the role he'd be tasked with fulfilling. 

The point of a 14th or 15th man on the bench is that they provide insurance. You hope you never need to give them significant playing time, but trusting they can produce when called upon is paramount. Brissett is a proven commodity in Boston's second unit. He would also be a cost-controlled addition, helping keep the Celtics' luxury tax penalties down.