After inking Luke Kornet to a one-year deal, the Boston Celtics followed up by signing restricted free agent center Neemias Queta to a new multi-year deal. The Athletic’s Shams Charania was first to report the deal. The Celtics continue to bring back key frontcourt pieces to keep the team afloat during Kristaps Porzingis’ extended absence, and Wyc Grousbeck has kept his word so far on keeping the roster together in free agency.
Free agent big man Neemias Queta has agreed on a multi-year deal to stay with the Boston Celtics, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2024
Over 28 games this past season, Neemias Queta averaged 5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in about 12 minutes per game. Turning 25 in July, Queta brings an interesting wrinkle to the Celtics center rotation with a mix of size, athleticism and chaos. After becoming the first Portuguese player to be drafted to the NBA in 2021, Queta followed it up in 2024 to become the first Portuguese NBA Champion in league history.
This is indeed what happened. Celtics now have 12 of 15 players from title team back next year, along with 1st-round pick Baylor Scheierman.
Have heard that Oshae Brissett is seeking an opportunity with a team that can offer more playing time, but no clarity there yet. https://t.co/yPnmEhYIyu— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) June 30, 2024
In addition to Kornet, Queta figures to be a big part of the Celtics rotation for the first two months of the upcoming season. It’s unclear at this time what these two signings mean for Celtics free agent Xavier Tillman, who was acquired from Memphis at the trade deadline this past season. Boston may find retaining Tillman difficult with the second apron looming large, not to mention forward Oshae Brissett following his opt-out before free agency.
