The NBA champion Boston Celtics can (and will) bring back the core of their team next season. The biggest difference will be championship experience and the extra confidence boost that comes with it. Based on that information alone, I’m not worried at all about this offseason.
With that said, Brad Stevens (the magnificent wizard that he is) still has a good deal of work to do before he can go on vacation and really enjoy himself.
If you are a sicko like me, there’s always next year and the year after that. So here’s a quick primer on some decisions and deadlines ahead for the Celtics this offseason.
The NBA Draft is next week! (June 26-27)
This draft is being talked about as one of the worst drafts in recent memory. There’s going to be quality players in any draft, but the top end is supposedly devoid of any sure-fire top prospects. Oh well, the Celtics pick is number 30 and the lottery is someone else’s problem.
Now, with the salary constraints (more on that later), you could make an argument that nailing draft picks is critical to maintaining a talent pipeline on the team. That’s fair, but I wouldn’t rule out the Celtics dumping their first round pick because it is a guaranteed multi-year contract for a guy that got passed over 29 times.
I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Brad pulls a Belichick and trades back into the 2nd round or for future picks. I do think that they may try to take a swing or two on 2nd rounders or undrafted free agents. Finding the next Sam Hauser would be pretty neat.
Give Tatum all the money
#Celtics F Jayson Tatum is eligible to sign a 5 year, $314.8M extension this summer, which would guarantee him $349M over the next 6 seasons.
2025-26: $54M
2026-27: $59M
2027-28: $63M
2028-29: $67M
2029-30: $72M(based on a $155.1M salary cap)
— Spotrac (@spotrac) June 18, 2024
No brainer. I hope Jayson Tatum will be a Celtic forever.
Extend Derrick White
The Celtics want to extend White’s contract to keep him in Boston. White seems to like it in Boston. They just have to come to terms on a number that makes sense for everyone. Get it done.
Our Free Agents
A new rule allows NBA teams to begin negotiating with their own free agents as soon as the NBA Finals are over.
Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman are unrestricted free agents. Oshae Brissett has a player option. The Celtics have team options on Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta.
In short, there are some moving pieces at the back end of the roster. Some decisions will be easier than others.
Look for ring-chaser free agents willing to play for peanuts
The Celtics won’t have much money to throw at free agents. So they’ll have to rely on high upside projects and ring chasers. The only name I can think of off the top of my head is Gordon Hayward. Perhaps his old coach will convince him to take a spot on the bench backing up his former teammates. He didn’t seem to fit in that role in OKC. Or perhaps injuries have just taken a cumulative effect on him. Still, it might be worth a flyer for the minimum.
Throw out some other names in the comments below if think they’ll be (reasonably) available for the minimum. No, I don’t think LeBron is coming here, even if we draft Bronny.
Assistant Coaching Staff
In case you missed it, Mazzulla’s lead assistant Charles Lee is taking a new job to coach the Charlotte Hornets. Also, Jeff Van Gundy had been serving as a consultant and is now joining the Clippers staff. My guess is that Sam Cassell will move into the lead assistant role. They’ll probably still try to add to the staff at some point.
Summer League (July 12-22)
Jordan Walsh! Jaden Springer! J.D. Davison! Draft picks that you’ve never heard of before! Get excited!
The Olympics (July 26-August 11)
Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday will be there. There’s a rumor that Derrick White could replace Kawhi Leonard on the roster. USA! USA! USA!
Long-term CBA impacts
John Hollinger has a detailed look at this topic over at the Athletic. Here’s a blurb.
Boston is in great shape to withstand the worst depredations of the most recent collective bargaining agreement, at least for one more season. While revisions in the 2023 agreement make it increasingly difficult to keep together championship-caliber rosters like this one, Boston has positioned itself for a multi-year run via smart contracts and timely trades, despite having two of the league’s most expensive players at its core.
What happens in the future? In short, really, really high tax bills for the owners and ever restricting penalties to teams in the 2nd apron (frozen draft picks, restrictions on trades and free agents, etc.).
But that’s a problem for another day because banners fly forever and we have a chance to run it back again.
In the meantime, enjoy the parade on Friday!
