Celtics' Early 2023 Free-Agent Targets

The Boston Celtics might be in the middle of what they hope will be an NBA championship run, but that doesn't mean it's too early to start jotting down some ideas for free agency.

There are surely front office people doing exactly that, so why can't we join in on the fun?

Boston doesn't have many spots to fill, and its biggest discussions will happen in-house (primarily involving Grant Williams' restricted free agency). Should the Shamrocks look outside the organization for discount hoopers-for-hire, though, the following three players loom as logical targets.

Terence Davis, Sacramento Kings (Unrestricted)

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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 07: Terence Davis #3 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on April 07, 2023 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 License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Terence Davis is feisty on defense, fierce in the open court and accurate enough from three-point land (career 36.6 percent).

He is the kind of player who, if you catch him on the right night, will have you wondering why he has only averaged 16.1 minutes for his career.

If he could string more of those good nights together, he wouldn't be hurting for floor time, but consistency isn't his strength. He scored 20-plus points five times this season. In the games immediately following those outbursts, he averaged just 4.6 points.

That volatility is less than ideal, but it should land him squarely in the bargain bin. If Boston thinks its system could coax more reliable production out of him—or pictured him filling a small enough role where his inconsistency wouldn't hurt much—then he'd be worth a clearance contract.

Jalen McDaniels, Philadelphia 76ers (Unrestricted)

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 7: Jalen McDaniels #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 7, 2023 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Celtics have two of the league's best wings in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Look past the stars, though, and there isn't much to see in terms of perimeter players with size.

Nabbing Jalen McDaniels could help fill that void. Stealing him away from the Sixers could make the addition extra prudent.

If McDaniels had a better three-ball (career 34.5 percent on low volume), he'd probably fall outside of Boston's price range. Since he doesn't, the Celtics might be able to afford him knowing he's a versatile defender who has improved his decision-making and added some off-the-dribble options to his offensive menu.

And if he finds his form from three—he shot 38 percent last season and 40 percent after this season's deadline deal to Philly—he could be a sneaky-good steal.

Yuta Watanabe, Brooklyn Nets (unrestricted)

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: Yuta Watanabe #18 of the Brooklyn Nets grabs the rebound in the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center on April 07, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Another wing? You better believe it.

If the Celtics bring back Grant Williams, their frontcourt will be in good shape. And as Payton Pritchard could tell you, Boston has more than enough options in the backcourt. So, beyond keeping Williams (at a reasonable price), the Shamrocks' top offseason priority should be finding perimeter players with decent-or-better size.

The 6'9" Yuta Watanabe looks like a clean fit. He plays with force and boundless energy. He can switch on to three different positions on defense—or more in the right matchup. He has some off-the-dribble elements to his game and just shot 40-plus percent from three for the second time in three seasons.

His defensive activity and overall energy would endear him to this fanbase, and if he can add volume to his outside shot without sacrificing efficiency, he could carve out a bigger role than expected.