Ex-Celtics big man had offer from Boston rival before overseas return

Daniel Theis returned to the EuroLeague to finish out last season, but turns out, he could’ve stayed in the NBA if he wanted to do so. However, he figured there were more playing opportunities overseas, which is why he signed with AS Monaco.

Theis, 33, started last season on the Pelicans, where he played in 38 games before getting traded to the Thunder at the deadline as a salary dump. While he mulled over his options, Theis revealed on the Euro Insiders podcast that he had an offer from a Celtics rival.

“I could have gone to the Knicks, for example, but it was more for insurance that Mitchell Robinson came back from the long injury,” Theis said. “Talked to (Tom) Thibodeau and he said, ‘Yeah, you will be an insurance in case he can’t play. Basically what I did with PJ Tucker.’

“For me it was like, ‘OK, if I sit for the rest of the year, what are my chances in the summer?’ So if I’m like, ‘OK, if I go overseas to Europe, play and play great, I might have a better chance.’ So that was my whole intention and thought behind it. Just to consider Europe and see what it is.”

Robinson missed the majority of last season for the Knicks after ankle surgery, though he returned in February to play out the rest of the year. The big man made an impact on the East semifinals against the Celtics where he was a huge factor when on the court. But he was also forced to go to the free throw line, leading to plenty of misses.

Regardless, Theis likely would’ve been stashed on the bench for the Knicks if he was just an insurance piece for the Knicks. New York went on its best playoff run in 25 years by making it to the East Finals. But for Theis, who would’ve been a free agent this summer, sitting on the bench wouldn’t have upped his stock much.

Theis finished out last year with AS Monaco as he’s set to return for the club for next season. There are some rumblings that he’s unhappy with his current situation, though it’s unclear what will come of it in the short term. For immediately, it doesn’t sound like Theis will return to the NBA next season.

Theis has played in 411 career NBA games spanning eight seasons. He started his career in Boston for the first four seasons before bouncing around the league, playing for the Bulls, Rockets, Pacers, Clippers and Pelicans. Theis also had two stints with the Celtics, which included making it to the 2022 NBA Finals.