The Celtics’ decision to sign Shane Larkin last summer was a curious one. At the time of the agreement, Boston already had 15 guaranteed contracts on its books—three of which belonged to primary ball handlers—and an incumbent starter in Isaiah Thomas who was diminutive in his own right. Adding Larkin as the 16th guaranteed deal—one over the league limit—seemed odd.
But fast forward a couple of weeks and things began to make more sense. The Celtics made a blockbuster move to acquire Kyrie Irving from the Cleveland Cavaliers, moving on from the undersized Thomas while simultaneously opening up a roster spot for the newly-signed Larkin.