Official announcement! The contract is officially signed, and another person joins the Celtics

The Celtics officially announced that they had officially signed free agent Chris Boucher, with a contract of $3.3 million in a year. The 31-year-old forward averaged 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game with the Raptors last season, shooting 49.2% from the field and 36.3% from three-pointers, which will provide the Celtics with a depth of front line.

However, this signing did not completely solve the Celtics' salary problem - the team's total salary is still 4 million higher than the first tyrant line, and it is expected to pay a luxury tax of 39.5 million. Although it has saved 300 million yuan compared to the total expenditure of 540 million yuan before the opening of the free market, the management is still seeking the possibility of further tax cuts. After signing Boucher, the Celtics' roster is no longer open, which also means they completely withdraw from Ben-Simmons' competition. Previously, both the Celtics and the Knicks were interested in the No. 1 pick, but now the quota is full, and with the pressure of nearly 40 million luxury taxes, Stevens' first priority is to continue to reduce spending rather than increase wages.

Simmons' situation is sad. He has only played 166 games in the past five seasons, but he has taken a salary of $177 million, with an average income of more than $1 million. He just turned 29 years old and has no one cares about this summer, and even a basic salary contract is difficult to obtain.

Celtic reporter Bobby Krivitsky said bluntly: "The team's quota is full, and Simmons is not in the plan."

The Celtics' next tax cuts turn to Sam Hauser. The sharpshooter's 45 million contract has just come into effect. If he is successfully sent away, the Celtics' total salary can be reduced to near the luxury tax line and save tens of millions.

House averaged 8.5 points per game last season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 41.6%, which is cost-effective, but a long-term contract may make the transaction more difficult. If the move is not possible, the Celtics may consider cutting off marginal players and further reducing their spending.

Stevens's operation can be called a "money-saving textbook" - sending away major contracts such as Holiday and Porzingis, signing basic-paid players such as Boucher, which not only maintains competitiveness but also greatly reduces the burden.

However, whether this team, whose total salary and luxury tax are still worth $240 million, can find a perfect balance between saving money and competing for the championship, will be the biggest highlight of the new season.