A league source said the Celtics are releasing striker Jabari Parker. Parker’s salary of $2.3 million is set to secure the start of the regular season.
Boston now has one open menu and one open slot for a two-way contract.
Chief of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens recently said the team will likely wait to see what players become available after other cuts across the league before deciding how to use the two-way point two. The Celtics, operating above the luxury tax threshold, can simply keep 15th on the list open. In addition to being a cost-saving measure, it can also generate options for two-for-one deals.
Also, two-way contract players are now eligible to be active for up to 50 games per season, essentially serving as the deep end of the roster at a lower price.
Several notable veterans have been cut in recent days, including Dante Exum, Avery Bradley, Kris Dunn and Jordan Bell.
The Celtics signed Parker, the 2014 draft second overall pick, for a two-year deal last April, but only $100,000 of this season’s salary was guaranteed. He played in 10 games for the Celtics last season, averaging 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Boston’s pre-season final began against the Heat on Friday, recording four points and 3 steals.
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