Three unlikely veterans who could chase rings with the Celtics

The Boston Celtics have one open roster spot . Brad Stevens has spent the opening weeks of free agency securing the future of his team's core rotation. As a second-apron luxury tax team, the Celtics can only offer potential free-agent additions a veteran minimum contract.

Fortunately for the franchise, it can use its status as reigning champion to entice veterans to leave money on the table in the hopes of competing for a championship.

Here are three veterans who could take a significant discount to fill Boston's final roster spot.

Doug McDermott

McDermott split his time between the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers last season. Entering his age-33 season, he remains one of the best movement shooters in the NBA. He would instantly provide competition for Sam Hauser in Boston's second unit. The two sharpshooters could also work together on the court.

Joe Mazzulla's Celtics team takes and makes a ton of threes. Floor spacing is at the core of everything the team does well. McDermott earned $14 million last season. He would need to take a significant pay cut to join the Celtics, but if he values potentially hitting free agency as a champion next season and would accept a minimal role, he would be a strong fit within the rotation.

Gordon Hayward

Hayward's previous tenure with the Celtics didn't go to plan. A serious injury he suffered during his 2017 debut hindered his time with the team and he has never been the same player since recovering. However, following a disastrous spell with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he could be tempted to rejoin Boston in the hope of finally winning a championship.

Hayward provides a multi-faceted skill set and would instantly emerge as a leader of the second unit. He is close with Brad Stevens after their time together at Butler. If he is willing to eat a one-year veteran minimum deal, Hayward would be a smart addition to round out the roster.

Robert Covington

Covington is a veteran three-and-D forward. He would fit Boston's bench unit while providing defensive versatility and a reliable shooting outlet. He has been bouncing around contending teams in recent years but has failed to stick on a roster. Boston could use his veteran experience and the additional size he would bring to the table.

Again, Covington would need to accept a pay cut and a smaller role than he's used to. If he can accept those two factors, he could be negotiating his next contract with a championship ring on his finger.