JUST IN: Boston Celtics are now in advance negotiation to land Ex-Boston Center

Through the first six games of the 2023-24 season, the Boston Celtics have been the best team in the NBA.

Boston’s offense has been excellent, the defense is reestablishing itself, and, most importantly, opponents are struggling to keep up with the depth. Everything is tilting in favor of the Celtics early on, but that’s no reason to get too comfortable, especially with 76 games remaining.

Former friend Daniel Theis is rummaging for minutes on the floor with Indiana while everything is fine in Boston.

So far, the Pacers have prioritized younger frontcourt options like Obi Toppin and Jalen Smith, as well as go-to rim protector Myles Turner, leaving Theis in the backseat.

As expected, relegating Theis to a non-existent role after Indiana’s first seven games is already wearing on the 31-year-old. It’s especially frustrating after Theis performed admirably during FIBA play, scoring 21 points against the United States as Germany won the tournament this summer.

“Obviously, after a great summer, I’m not happy with the situation I’m in right now,” Theis told MassLive’s Brian Robb prior to Indiana’s recent trip to Boston. “I want to play and bring everything from the summer into the season, but it’s a long season.” We’ll see what’s going on and what’s happening.”
Before trading for Malcolm Brogdon in 2022, the Celtics used the 6-foot-9 Theis primarily for defensive purposes and length off the bench. He’d be tasked with going toe-to-toe with some of Boston’s most dangerous opponents, such as Joel Embiid, and doing the dirty work in the paint.

That cannot be overstated, so the question arises, even three months before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 9: is Theis due for a third run with the Celtics?

Given that Theis has only $9.1 million left on his contract, plus a $9.5 million club option that the Pacers are unlikely to exercise, the asking price can’t be too high. Plus, there’s nothing wrong with improving an already mediocre Celtics reserve unit.

So it’s not impossible and definitely worth keeping an eye on.

“I’m open (to re-joining the Celtics),” Theis said, according to Robb. “… They have a fantastic team. The way they play offense, shooting the ball and making 3-pointers. Defensively, with the addition of Jrue Holiday, this team will be difficult to beat all season. “I hope everyone stays healthy.”
The scoring component has been well-established for the majority of Boston’s optimistic run under Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. It’s there from night to night and has only gotten stronger since the offseason additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.

However, as Boston discovered the hard way last season, winning the playoffs without an established defensive identity will be difficult — regardless of hype.

Theis can provide the Celtics with what they need: an unselfish, off-the-bench workhorse who isn’t afraid to get physical in the front court. Unlike previous seasons when Theis played for the Celtics, Boston’s current roster is ready for Theis to step in. Not expected to compete on the glass with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but rather to contribute off the bench.

If Theis returns to Boston for a third time, there isn’t much he needs to do, and with the financials and Indiana’s obvious refusal to play Theis in an unfavorable situation, the stars may be aligning for Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.