The Boston Celtics traded for Perry Jones earlier this offseason because they liked his potential and they also didn't have to give up much of anything to acquire him. The Oklahoma City Thunder were trying to shed some salary and the Celtics were happy to take on that salary. The Celtics are very intrigued by Jones' ability and potential and would love to be able to keep him on their 15 man roster but they may not be able to do that, according to Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston.
The Celtics are one of the deepest teams in the NBA and head coach Brad Stevens will have a lot of trouble deciding who gets minutes and who will be sitting on the bench but the depth also means that a player who deserves a roster spot will have to be cut and Jones looks to be the odd man out.
Jones is still just 24 years old despite the fact that he already has three years of NBA experience and the Celtics have seen bursts of potential from the 6 foot-11 forward that Forsberg writes "oozes athleticism." Jones is talented but he has had trouble translating that talent into consistent play on the court so far in his career and this preseason which is why he is likely the odd man out.
The ideas for getting rid of somebody else so Jones could stay on the roster have included trades and giving up on other younger players. There were talks earlier this offseason that the Celtics might look to trade Jared Sullinger or Evan Turner but Stevens has said Turner will be a big part of the team. As for Sullinger, he and the Celtics are negotiating a possible contract extension and although an agreement doesn't seem all that likely a trade seems even less likely at this point.
Another way to get Jones on the roster would be to cut either R.J. Hunter or James Young. Hunter was one of the Celtics two first round picks this year and has played well this preseason so he isn't going anywhere but Young hasn't been as great. Fans have been frustrated by Young so far and thought maybe Jones could take his spot but that is extremely unlikely as the Celtics are reportedly encouraged by his progress and the 20 year old was a first round pick just a year ago.
Barring an unforeseen circumstance it looks like Jones' stay in Boston will be a short one. In his three year career the former Baylor Bear has averaged just 3.4 points in 11.7 minutes per game but if and when he gets cut he will likely not be a free agent for long, some team will pick up a 24 year old with that much potential.
