Summary

I was not sold on the Theis signing last summer. I thought he was not much more than a minimum-level player, so I was surprised the Celtics gave him a two-year $10 million contract, even if the second year was non-guaranteed. Theis proved me wrong this season, showing he was well worth that contract.

 

Theis has learned the art of sealing his man after rolling to the rim, allowing a clear lane for the ball-handler if he has his defender on his back. Theis certainly has limitations, but he's a fairly skilled big that finishes well around the rim, and even has some ability to stretch the floor. However, teams may be willing to give him plenty of open pick-and-pop threes in the playoffs, and if he is unwilling to take those or unable to hit them at a decent rate, he could torpedo the offense. At worst, Theis is still a solid backup center, and would likely be claimed off waivers if the Celtics waived him.

 

Cap Considerations

Theis has a $5 million non-guaranteed salary, which becomes guaranteed on October 20, 2020. The Celtics will have a few days of free agency to explore options before making the decision on Theis.

 

If Theis is waived, the Celtics will not have any Bird Rights on him. His $5 million contract could then be claimed by another team, or he would become an unrestricted free agent. The Celtics could then only bring back Theis using their Mid-Level Exception, Bi-Annual Exception, or at his minimum salary.

 

Other teams will have multiple ways to sign Theis as even teams without cap space could possibly use any of the Non-Taxpayer, Taxpayer, or Room Mid-Level Exceptions to sign him.