The Celtics knew what they had in Daniel Theis.
Lukewarm as that compliment may be towards the veteran big man — and as unevenly as his return to Boston progressed through his NBA Finals benching — Theis built up so much rapport with the core members of the Celtics over nearly five seasons that his presence lent some comfort behind Al Horford and Robert Williams III. It wouldn’t be stunning if he ends up back with the team one more time before his career ends.
However, Theis’ $8.7 million salary became a necessary component of the Malcolm Brogdon trade, leaving the Celtics without a backup center who’s logged significant NBA service time in green.