BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates a basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter in game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 14, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics appear to be exploring adding another player to their roster ahead of training camp.
Spotrac’s Keith Smith claimed on Monday that free-agent forward Nassir Little has/had workouts with the Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Sacramento Kings. The Phoenix Suns released the 24-year-old last month.
Little was selected 25th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft out of North Carolina. He played his first four seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Little was part of a three-team trade in September that sent him, Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkic, and Keon Johnson to Phoenix; Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, Deandre Ayton, and a 2029 first-round draft pick to Portland; and Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.
In 237 career regular-season games, Little has averaged 5.5 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 33 percent from three. In 45 games with Phoenix last season, he averaged 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds while shooting 46 percent from the field and 30 percent from deep.
Little has struggled with injuries throughout his NBA career. In 2022, he had season-ending shoulder surgery in January and stomach surgery on his left side in May. In April 2023, he had abdominal surgery on the right side.
Little would most likely have to contend for a bench position with Celtics offseason acquisition Lonnie Walker IV. Boston’s first day of practice is planned on September 25, with preseason starting.
