The Boston Celtics will pick up their 2016-17 team option on Amir Johnson's contract, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski. Thursday was the deadline for Boston to waive his $12 million salary before it became guaranteed.
Johnson signed a two-year deal with the Celtics last summer, and it was team-friendly because of his value on the court and the flexibility it gave them financially. They could have waived him or traded him if they had the opportunity to land two stars this summer, but since they only signed Al Horford, they should be happy to bring Johnson back.
Boston has an embarrassment of riches in the frontcourt. Even before signing Horford, it was tricky for coach Brad Stevens to manage the rotation last season. Now, if general manager Danny Ainge doesn't pull off a trade, Stevens will have to find a way to give minutes to Horford, Johnson, Jonas Jerebko and Kelly Olynyk. Restricted free agents Tyler Zeller and Jared Sullinger could return, too.
That logjam does not mean, however, that the Celtics would have been better off letting Johnson walk. He's a productive player on both ends, and he and Horford project to be an extremely effective defensive duo. Both of them can protect the paint, guard pick-and-rolls and switch onto smaller players.
