The NBA champion Boston Celtics can (and can) deliver again the core of their group subsequent season. The most important distinction will probably be championship expertise and the additional confidence enhance that comes with it. Primarily based on that data alone, I’m not anxious in any respect about this offseason.
With that mentioned, Brad Stevens (the magnificent wizard that he’s) nonetheless has a great deal of work to do earlier than he can go on trip and actually get pleasure from himself.
If you’re a sicko like me, there’s all the time subsequent 12 months and the 12 months after that. So right here’s a fast primer on some selections and deadlines forward for the Celtics this offseason.
The NBA Draft is subsequent week! (June 26-27)
This draft is being talked about as one of many worst drafts in latest reminiscence. There’s going to be high quality gamers in any draft, however the high finish is supposedly devoid of any sure-fire high prospects. Oh nicely, the Celtics decide is quantity 30 and the lottery is another person’s drawback.
Now, with the wage constraints (extra on that later), you possibly can make an argument that nailing draft picks is vital to sustaining a expertise pipeline on the group. That’s honest, however I wouldn’t rule out the Celtics dumping their first spherical decide as a result of it’s a assured multi-year contract for a man that obtained handed over 29 instances.
I wouldn’t be shocked in any respect if Brad pulls a Belichick and trades again into the 2nd spherical or for future picks. I do suppose that they could attempt to take a swing or two on 2nd rounders or undrafted free brokers. Discovering the subsequent Sam Hauser could be fairly neat.
Give Tatum all the cash
#Celtics F Jayson Tatum is eligible to signal a 5 12 months, $314.8M extension this summer time, which might assure him $349M over the subsequent 6 seasons.
2025-26: $54M2026-27: $59M2027-28: $63M2028-29: $67M2029-30: $72M
(based mostly on a $155.1M wage cap)
— Spotrac (@spotrac) June 18, 2024
No brainer. I hope Jayson Tatum will probably be a Celtic ceaselessly.
Lengthen Derrick White
The Celtics wish to prolong White’s contract to maintain him in Boston. White appears to love it in Boston. They simply have to return to phrases on a quantity that is sensible for everybody. Get it accomplished.
Our Free Brokers
A brand new rule permits NBA groups to start negotiating with their very own free brokers as quickly because the NBA Finals are over.
Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman are unrestricted free brokers. Oshae Brissett has a participant possibility. The Celtics have group choices on Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta.
Briefly, there are some transferring items on the again finish of the roster. Some selections will probably be simpler than others.
Search for ring chaser free brokers prepared to play for peanuts
The Celtics gained’t have a lot cash to throw at free brokers. In order that they’ll must depend on excessive upside tasks and ring chasers. The one title I can consider off the highest of my head is Gordon Hayward. Maybe his previous coach will persuade him to take a spot on the bench backing up his former teammates. He didn’t appear to slot in that function in OKC. Or maybe accidents have simply taken a cumulative impact on him. Nonetheless, it may be value a flyer for the minimal.
Throw out another names within the feedback beneath if suppose they’ll be (moderately) out there for the minimal. No, I don’t suppose LeBron is coming right here, even when we draft Bronny.
Assistant Teaching Employees
In case you missed it, Mazzulla’s lead assistant Charles Lee is taking a brand new job to educate the Charlotte Hornets. Additionally, Jeff Van Gundy had been serving as a marketing consultant and is now becoming a member of the Clippers employees. My guess is that Sam Cassell will transfer into the lead assistant function. They’ll most likely nonetheless attempt to add to the employees sooner or later.
Summer time League (July 12-22)
Jordan Walsh! Jaden Springer! J.D. Davison! Draft picks that you just’ve by no means heard of earlier than! Get excited!
The Olympics (July 26-August 11)
Jayson Tatum and Jrue Vacation will probably be there. There’s a rumor that Derrick White may exchange Kawhi Leonard on the roster. USA! USA! USA!
Long run CBA impacts
John Hollinger has an in depth have a look at this subject over on the Athletic. Right here’s a blurb.
Boston is in nice form to resist the worst depredations of the latest collective bargaining settlement, no less than for another season. Whereas revisions within the 2023 settlement make it more and more troublesome to maintain collectively championship-caliber rosters like this one, Boston has positioned itself for a multi-year run by way of good contracts and well timed trades, regardless of having two of the league’s most costly gamers at its core.
What occurs sooner or later? Briefly, actually, actually excessive tax payments for the homeowners and ever limiting penalties to groups within the 2nd apron (frozen draft picks, restrictions on trades and free brokers, and so forth.).
However that’s an issue for an additional day as a result of banners fly ceaselessly and now we have an opportunity to run it again once more.
Within the meantime, benefit from the parade on Friday!
