Sundov signed for playing time. If he does well he gets his big pay day
next year. He wouldn't get to play in Indiana.
Historically, the Celtics have spent the money to win when they had the main
players to build around. Other FA's wanted to come and play with Bird
etc...
Sure, I know all this. But the historical bit is meaningless because that
was long ago and this isn't the same management as in the Bird etc era when
FA could be sure the priorities were basketball first and so the money
would be there, along with a reasonable chance of winning. And this
management has been very public about the fact that their priorities are
different, beyond any chance of misunderstanding.