According to the Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Boston Celtics have waived guard Justin Champagnie. Keeping the former Pitt Panther past August 1 would have triggered a payment of $50,000 as part of Champagnie’s non-guaranteed contract. A further $350,000 would have been owed if he remained a member of the team on opening night. As a luxury tax team, Boston would be on the hook for even more financial obligations if the team had opted to keep Champagnie on the books.
This isn’t a particularly surprising move, however. Champagnie joined the club in April of last season and failed to make much of an impression, even as a deep bench guy. His lukewarm performance at Las Vegas Summer League in July may have been another nail in the coffin. Boston’s tight salary sheet means even modest spending has to go toward a player the club truly trusts to fill a need.
Parting ways with Champagnie is the first of a few difficult decisions the Celtics will need to make as summer turns to autumn. Luke Kornet’s contract is non-guaranteed, while Dalano Banton’s deal is only partially guaranteed.
Celtics Lab 209: On covering the tougher stories in NBA journalism with Gary Washburn https://t.co/V2FGccxZsC via @thecelticswire
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 1, 2023
Likewise, there are still a number of free agents available for the team to take a chance on. The offseason isn’t over yet.
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