Celtics News: No Buyout For Jameer Nelson...At Least, Not Yet

The Boston Celtics acquired several pieces in the deal that sent Rajon Rondo to Dallas, but it's hard to see how former Orlando Magic PG Jameer Nelson fits in with the Celtics' ongoing rebuilding project.

Per Shams Charania of RealGM, the Celtics have had discussions with Nelson about his role going forward, and while there's been no talk of a buyout at this stage, the two parties aren't ruling it out:

"The Boston Celtics and guard Jameer Nelson have had preliminary discussions on his future role and “what if” possibilities before the February trade deadline, but buyout negotiations have not taken place yet..."

Nelson turns 33 in February, and his numbers have steadily declined since peaking in 2008-09. Nelson started all 23 games he played in for Dallas this season, but only averaged 25.4 minutes per game - his lowest total since his rookie season in 2004-05. Nelson is currently on a two-year deal worth $5.6 million, so a buyout wouldn't be nearly as costly as, say, Detroit's arrangement with Josh Smith.

Rookie PG Marcus Smart started Boston's game against the Miami Heat on Sunday, and GM Danny Ainge and coach Brad Stevens are both committed to installing Smart as their point guard of the future. At this point, it seems highly likely that the Celtics will buy out Nelson's contract at some point before the February trade deadline, allowing him to sign with a contender.

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