Celtics Minimum Contracts to Pursue as Late NBA Free-Agency Steals

Since landing just two victories shy of an NBA title, the Boston Celtics have positioned themselves for another run at the crown.

They made a bold trade for Malcolm Brogdon and then landed Danilo Gallinari in free agency. Add that to what this team already had, and you could argue Boston's roster is as deep as any in the Association.

Still, every roster could be improved, and this is no different. If the Celtics are mulling any more additions, the following three free agents are worth considering for a minimum contract.

DeMarcus Cousins

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DENVER, CO - APRIL 24: DeMarcus Cousins (4) of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Draymond Green (23) of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Ball Arena on Sunday, April 24, 2022. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

The Celtics need another big after trading away Daniel Theis and not adding a replacement. DeMarcus Cousins could fill that void and provide something different from anyone else on the roster.

Frankly, the 31-year-old's combination of size (6'10", 270 lbs) and skill is seldom seen across the entire league.

Now, anyone hoping to see Cousins return to stardom can let that idea go, as he can't defend enough to hold down a major role. He has averaged fewer than 18 minutes each of the past two seasons and hasn't logged more than 26 per night since 2017-18.

Still, a reserve role allows him to empty the tank when he hits the hardwood, and he can carve up bench defenses. With the strength to bully defenders around the basket and the stroke to bury open shots from distance, he can pile up points and rebounds in a hurry.

Dwight Howard

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PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 5: Dwight Howard #39 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks on to the court before the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 5, 2022 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

Dwight Howard didn't have the smoothest transition into his career's twilight, but once the light bulb finally clicked, he really found his second calling as a high-energy reserve.

No, he's not making any more All-Star trips or competing for Defensive Player of the Year honors, but he's still a big body who can make things happen on the interior.

He can block shots. He can rebound. He can finish point-blank chances. His skill set may not stretch any further at this point, but it doesn't need to given the workload and responsibility list he would be assigned.

As long as expectations are properly calibrated for the 36-year-old version of Howard, he could be a big help on the bench.

Jeremy Lamb

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SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 3: Jeremy Lamb #26 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 3, 2022 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

When the Celtics entered this offseason, they clearly recognized a need for more support shooters around stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Both Brogdon and Gallinari will bring career three-point percentages north of 37 to Boston.

Jeremy Lamb's isn't quite on that level (34.2), but he has reached that mark in two of the last five seasons.

The 30-year-old may not be an elite sharpshooter, but he is an effortlessly smooth shot-maker. He's still slippery enough to free himself from tight coverage, and if he gets an opening, he has the confidence to pull from anywhere.

The Celtics needed more reliability from their scoring reserves this past season. Lamb could help check that box this time around.