The Celtics timed this contract with an eye towards flexibility. He can get two consecutive 10 days, the second of which run through February 8th. February 8th also happens to be the trade deadline. So if the Celtics make a trade and need to release someone, that someone will be Eddie. If they like what they’ve seen over his 20 days, they can sign him to a rest-of-year contract.
If during the buyout period someone becomes available, he’s still the odd man out, unless he’s so outplayed Nader that they keep him. Nader is guaranteed some money next season, so the Celtics are unlikely to outright release him after the deadline. They’d rather trade him to keep a few hundred thousand off the books once they reach the luxury tax era next season. Accordingly, Eddie would have to look like he’s worth the potential to pay a higher luxury tax, and not just look like the better 15th man.