Free Agent, Trade & Extensions Thread, 2024-25

[keevsnick1]

Ok so I've got this theory..(more anecdotal, no data to back it up) but it seems to me like bigs are more injury prone than other positions.

Embiid is always hurt, so is Time Lord, Porzingis. Past couple yrs Steven Adams is always injured. Anthony Davis has been hurt a lot over the years. Nerlens Noel, Cousins, Whiteside, Wendell Carter Jr, injury prone. KAT too.

Pretty much every big except Horford and Jokic is hurt a lot.

So this is what I think we should maybe do: punt the center position. Trade KP this offseason. Put almost all of our $ into the other 4 positions. Just carry a few centers on the roster but all on cheap contracts (guys like Al till he retires, Kornet, Tillman, Queta).

Guys on cheap contracts who know our system, can go in there and just do their job, not mess anything up too bad. We have a few of them and just rotate them in and out of the lineup..none of them will be stars so none will be playing big mins each game, so we'll rotate 2 or 3 of them each game.

No more double big lineups..or at least if we go double big, it'll be VERY rare. Even try Brissett more as a small ball 5 (assuming he picks up his option next year). He's got a 7'0" wingspan and rebounds like a mad man, so no reason he can't play small ball 5 in short stints here and there. And Tatum rebounds well, is about 6'9" and 235 lbs so he can also play some small ball 5.

We can do what Golden State did for a couple of years. They cared very little about who was gonna play the 5..put all their energy and their $ into the other 4 positions..just put in guys like Zaza Pachulia, Looney, Andrew Bogut and past his prime Cousins at the 5..rotating them in and out, sometimes with Draymond as a small ball 5. And they won 4 titles.

Brad might be thinking this as well, as he's brought in like 6 guys for a pre-draft workout this year who are PF / small ball 5 type of guys and only 1 true center..and that one true center (Jesse Edwards) is not even projected to get drafted (would likely be a UDFA pickup) and Edwards size, the way he moves, his play style is very similar to Luke Kornet.

Edwards reminds me a lot of Dwight Powell. Similar kind of long neck and head lol.

Yeah..Edwards reminds me more of Kornet, but I can see the Powell comp as well.

If he's like them, it's a great UDFA pickup.

Edwards looks more like Powell in the face, at least haha..

So I appreciate the line of thinking, but I just don't know about this. The Celtics are great, but they lack a truly special offensive engine the way Curry and later KD/Curry were. I think part of why they are awesome is their five out spacing, and I'm worried about what happens to that when Horford retires if KP can't stay healthy. There probably isn't an easy answer to that issue in the draft, but I don't think they'll just punt on the position going forward. They identified KP for a reason, his skill set is massively valuable especially to this team. Maybe they move him, but it would be nice to find somebody who can still hit from outside at the Center position.

[RickyDizzle]

Kornet... 0 minutes in a game with no Porzingis. Think Tillman is more likely to stay. Horford, Porzingis, Tillman, Queta is plenty at Center.

[Jammer]

Contract Status

PG
Derrick White thru 2025 (extension Eligible)
Payton Pritchard thru 2028
Jaden Springer thru 2025 (Restricted)

SG
Jrue Holiday (Player Option in 2028)
Sam Hauser (2025 Not Guaranteed, but will be)
Svi Mykhailiuk FREE AGENT, won't get more than minimum from anyone

SF
Jaylen Brown (thru 2028)
Oshae Brissett - Player Option for 2025.
Jordan Walsh thru 2025 with Team Options for 2026 and 2027

PF
Jayson Tatum (Player Option 2026)
Luke Kornet - FREE AGENT
Xavier Tillman - FREE AGENT

C
Kristaps Porzingis thru 2026
Al Horford thru 2025
Neemias Queata (2025 not guaranteed, but will be)

The Celtics have 11 guys returning (they will guarantee Hauser and Queta's contracts).

Of the 4 Free Agents,
Mykhailiuk won't get more than minimum from anyone, so they could have him back, if they want him.

Oshae Brissett has a player option, but is not a walk-in the door backup for any NBA Team so it's questionable why anyone would pay more than minimum for a #11-#15 player. Even on a team where someone is injured, and they need a Reserve to step into a Backup role, don't know that he'd be a guy that they'd spend on.

Kornet is the Biggest ?? because there are teams where he could conceivably be given a Backup role, vs his current Reserve role. Backups get more than minimum. Kornet is likely GONE for greener pastures.

Xavier Tillman at 6' 7" is not an SF, he's a PF who maybe can play some small ball center, but it's a big maybe. Don't know that there is a team where he can walk in the door as a Backup. If not, he's a 3rd stringer, which is what is he is Boston, but 3rd stringers get paid minimum. It's just a question of location (Miami, LA, Minny Ha Ha Snow Storms) you get the picture, where he wants to hang his sneakers. He might see a bigger opportunity somewhere else, which could lead to a bigger pay day eventually.

[Hal14]

Edwards reminds me a lot of Dwight Powell. Similar kind of long neck and head lol.

Yeah..Edwards reminds me more of Kornet, but I can see the Powell comp as well.

If he's like them, it's a great UDFA pickup.

Edwards looks more like Powell in the face, at least haha..

So I appreciate the line of thinking, but I just don't know about this. The Celtics are great, but they lack a truly special offensive engine the way Curry and later KD/Curry were. I think part of why they are awesome is their five out spacing, and I'm worried about what happens to that when Horford retires if KP can't stay healthy. There probably isn't an easy answer to that issue in the draft, but I don't think they'll just punt on the position going forward. They identified KP for a reason, his skill set is massively valuable especially to this team. Maybe they move him, but it would be nice to find somebody who can still hit from outside at the Center position.

I think if we have a 5 who can shoot, then great. There's guys we can get. You could try to draft someone. You could play Tatum as a small ball 5 here and there. I expect Tillman to work his butt off all summer on his 3 ball.

With that being said, I don't think it's completely necessary that we have a 5 who can shoot all the time. Rob put up insanely good advanced stats when he was here..at one point he recorded the highest single season offensive rating in NBA history. Kornet over the past 2 seasons has put up very good advanced stats as well. Queta had one of the highest net ratings on the team this year. None of them shot the 3 ball. But they were still effective with setting high screens, rolling to the basket, not letting the ball stick to them..if they got the ball, they quickly made a 0.5decision with it and got it in the hands of a more capable shooter/scorer..they ran DHO's, caught lobs, grabbed offensive boards, tipped missed shots back out to perimeter and finished out of dunker's spot.

Same thing that guys like Lively, Duren, Mark Williams, Capela, Poeltl, Zubac, Gobert, Mitchell Robinson do on offense and most of them put up very good offensive rating numbers as well. Just need to make sure the other 4 guys on the floor can shoot. And that's certainly the case for the Celtics.

My main point was that bigs are the most injury prone guys. So don't spend a ton of $ on a big, cause it'll come back to bite you in the a%%, like it's done to us ever since we drafted Time Lord in 2018. That's 6 yrs in a row now of having a very injury prone big. By having more of a "center by committee" approach, with no bigs making a ton of $ and you're not over-reliant on any 1 big, you mitigate your risk in this area..

[Celts17Pride]

Contract Status

PG
Derrick White thru 2025 (extension Eligible)
Payton Pritchard thru 2028
Jaden Springer thru 2025 (Restricted)

SG
Jrue Holiday (Player Option in 2028)
Sam Hauser (2025 Not Guaranteed, but will be)
Svi Mykhailiuk FREE AGENT, won't get more than minimum from anyone

SF
Jaylen Brown (thru 2028)
Oshae Brissett - Player Option for 2025.
Jordan Walsh thru 2025 with Team Options for 2026 and 2027

PF
Jayson Tatum (Player Option 2026)
Luke Kornet - FREE AGENT
Xavier Tillman - FREE AGENT

C
Kristaps Porzingis thru 2026
Al Horford thru 2025
Neemias Queata (2025 not guaranteed, but will be)

The Celtics have 11 guys returning (they will guarantee Hauser and Queta's contracts).

Of the 4 Free Agents,
Mykhailiuk won't get more than minimum from anyone, so they could have him back, if they want him.

Oshae Brissett has a player option, but is not a walk-in the door backup for any NBA Team so it's questionable why anyone would pay more than minimum for a #11-#15 player. Even on a team where someone is injured, and they need a Reserve to step into a Backup role, don't know that he'd be a guy that they'd spend on.

Kornet is the Biggest ?? because there are teams where he could conceivably be given a Backup role, vs his current Reserve role. Backups get more than minimum. Kornet is likely GONE for greener pastures.

Xavier Tillman at 6' 7" is not an SF, he's a PF who maybe can play some small ball center, but it's a big maybe. Don't know that there is a team where he can walk in the door as a Backup. If not, he's a 3rd stringer, which is what is he is Boston, but 3rd stringers get paid minimum. It's just a question of location (Miami, LA, Minny Ha Ha Snow Storms) you get the picture, where he wants to hang his sneakers. He might see a bigger opportunity somewhere else, which could lead to a bigger pay day eventually.

I think there is a chance that Pritchard is moved at the draft. If the Celtics are going to be looking to save a little money then Pritchard is the obvious player to be moved. Not saying I want this to happen, just saying PP is the obvious choice.

[Jammer]

Contract Status

PG
Derrick White thru 2025 (extension Eligible)
Payton Pritchard thru 2028
Jaden Springer thru 2025 (Restricted)

SG
Jrue Holiday (Player Option in 2028)
Sam Hauser (2025 Not Guaranteed, but will be)
Svi Mykhailiuk FREE AGENT, won't get more than minimum from anyone

SF
Jaylen Brown (thru 2028)
Oshae Brissett - Player Option for 2025.
Jordan Walsh thru 2025 with Team Options for 2026 and 2027

PF
Jayson Tatum (Player Option 2026)
Luke Kornet - FREE AGENT
Xavier Tillman - FREE AGENT

C
Kristaps Porzingis thru 2026
Al Horford thru 2025
Neemias Queata (2025 not guaranteed, but will be)

The Celtics have 11 guys returning (they will guarantee Hauser and Queta's contracts).

Of the 4 Free Agents,
Mykhailiuk won't get more than minimum from anyone, so they could have him back, if they want him.

Oshae Brissett has a player option, but is not a walk-in the door backup for any NBA Team so it's questionable why anyone would pay more than minimum for a #11-#15 player. Even on a team where someone is injured, and they need a Reserve to step into a Backup role, don't know that he'd be a guy that they'd spend on.

Kornet is the Biggest ?? because there are teams where he could conceivably be given a Backup role, vs his current Reserve role. Backups get more than minimum. Kornet is likely GONE for greener pastures.

Xavier Tillman at 6' 7" is not an SF, he's a PF who maybe can play some small ball center, but it's a big maybe. Don't know that there is a team where he can walk in the door as a Backup. If not, he's a 3rd stringer, which is what is he is Boston, but 3rd stringers get paid minimum. It's just a question of location (Miami, LA, Minny Ha Ha Snow Storms) you get the picture, where he wants to hang his sneakers. He might see a bigger opportunity somewhere else, which could lead to a bigger pay day eventually.

I think there is a chance that Pritchard is moved at the draft. If the Celtics are going to be looking to save a little money then Pritchard is the obvious player to be moved. Not saying I want this to happen, just saying PP is the obvious choice.

The same thought has crossed my mind. They may be ready to committ to Jaden Springer, who is more athletic and taller. If so, they'd probably look for a PF for Pritch or maybe move up in the draft (but this is a weak draft) or future draft compensation.

[Riverwalk2021]

Some posters claiming White is expendable or he won’t get maxed if he hits FA need to have their heads examined. Every contender would be lining up to sign him. He is as essential to this team’s success as anybody. They would be wise to extend him this summer. Jrue could start declining at any time given his age and White will be relied upon to take on an even bigger role. He has gotten better every season since he’s been here. He’s clutch on both ends.

They should sell high on Pritchard and look for a durable, athletic big. That’s their biggest need because KP is a walking injury. You can’t rely on him at all. Hopefully Al finishes out his contract next year but we need to address our big situation. You can’t go into playoff series with only one reliable big.

[Larry_Russell]

IMO


PG: Jrue / Pritchard
SG: White / ??? / Springer
SF: Brown / Hauser / Walsh
PF: Tatum / Horford / Brissett
C: Porzingis / Tillman / Queta

Kornet and Svi probably wont be retained. Leaves door open for a Min signing at guard and an open roster spot for a rookie or a buyout or something later in the season.

But I would definately look at adding a backup SG.

Lonnie Walker
Alec Burks
Gary HArris
Buddy Hield

Guys that might take a min contract to play for a contender/defending champ


Lots of draft options at that position as well. (reeves, Shannon, Newton, Scheierman, da Silva, Ingram to name a few)

[165bows]

Contract Status

PG
Derrick White thru 2025 (extension Eligible)
Payton Pritchard thru 2028
Jaden Springer thru 2025 (Restricted)

SG
Jrue Holiday (Player Option in 2028)
Sam Hauser (2025 Not Guaranteed, but will be)
Svi Mykhailiuk FREE AGENT, won't get more than minimum from anyone

SF
Jaylen Brown (thru 2028)
Oshae Brissett - Player Option for 2025.
Jordan Walsh thru 2025 with Team Options for 2026 and 2027

PF
Jayson Tatum (Player Option 2026)
Luke Kornet - FREE AGENT
Xavier Tillman - FREE AGENT

C
Kristaps Porzingis thru 2026
Al Horford thru 2025
Neemias Queata (2025 not guaranteed, but will be)

The Celtics have 11 guys returning (they will guarantee Hauser and Queta's contracts).

Of the 4 Free Agents,
Mykhailiuk won't get more than minimum from anyone, so they could have him back, if they want him.

Oshae Brissett has a player option, but is not a walk-in the door backup for any NBA Team so it's questionable why anyone would pay more than minimum for a #11-#15 player. Even on a team where someone is injured, and they need a Reserve to step into a Backup role, don't know that he'd be a guy that they'd spend on.

Kornet is the Biggest ?? because there are teams where he could conceivably be given a Backup role, vs his current Reserve role. Backups get more than minimum. Kornet is likely GONE for greener pastures.

Xavier Tillman at 6' 7" is not an SF, he's a PF who maybe can play some small ball center, but it's a big maybe. Don't know that there is a team where he can walk in the door as a Backup. If not, he's a 3rd stringer, which is what is he is Boston, but 3rd stringers get paid minimum. It's just a question of location (Miami, LA, Minny Ha Ha Snow Storms) you get the picture, where he wants to hang his sneakers. He might see a bigger opportunity somewhere else, which could lead to a bigger pay day eventually.

I think there is a chance that Pritchard is moved at the draft. If the Celtics are going to be looking to save a little money then Pritchard is the obvious player to be moved. Not saying I want this to happen, just saying PP is the obvious choice.

I looked pretty recently for the classic “PP/+1st” trade to see what could be available and it’s still really limited. Guys like Moses Moody and Miles McBride. Not even a decent PF to then just back fill a different third guard.

I think the play is just give Al an extra big contract when he is done and trade him with the golden parachute for Isaiah Stewart.

[Celts17Pride]

Contract Status

PG
Derrick White thru 2025 (extension Eligible)
Payton Pritchard thru 2028
Jaden Springer thru 2025 (Restricted)

SG
Jrue Holiday (Player Option in 2028)
Sam Hauser (2025 Not Guaranteed, but will be)
Svi Mykhailiuk FREE AGENT, won't get more than minimum from anyone

SF
Jaylen Brown (thru 2028)
Oshae Brissett - Player Option for 2025.
Jordan Walsh thru 2025 with Team Options for 2026 and 2027

PF
Jayson Tatum (Player Option 2026)
Luke Kornet - FREE AGENT
Xavier Tillman - FREE AGENT

C
Kristaps Porzingis thru 2026
Al Horford thru 2025
Neemias Queata (2025 not guaranteed, but will be)

The Celtics have 11 guys returning (they will guarantee Hauser and Queta's contracts).

Of the 4 Free Agents,
Mykhailiuk won't get more than minimum from anyone, so they could have him back, if they want him.

Oshae Brissett has a player option, but is not a walk-in the door backup for any NBA Team so it's questionable why anyone would pay more than minimum for a #11-#15 player. Even on a team where someone is injured, and they need a Reserve to step into a Backup role, don't know that he'd be a guy that they'd spend on.

Kornet is the Biggest ?? because there are teams where he could conceivably be given a Backup role, vs his current Reserve role. Backups get more than minimum. Kornet is likely GONE for greener pastures.

Xavier Tillman at 6' 7" is not an SF, he's a PF who maybe can play some small ball center, but it's a big maybe. Don't know that there is a team where he can walk in the door as a Backup. If not, he's a 3rd stringer, which is what is he is Boston, but 3rd stringers get paid minimum. It's just a question of location (Miami, LA, Minny Ha Ha Snow Storms) you get the picture, where he wants to hang his sneakers. He might see a bigger opportunity somewhere else, which could lead to a bigger pay day eventually.

I think there is a chance that Pritchard is moved at the draft. If the Celtics are going to be looking to save a little money then Pritchard is the obvious player to be moved. Not saying I want this to happen, just saying PP is the obvious choice.

I looked pretty recently for the classic “PP/+1st” trade to see what could be available and it’s still really limited. Guys like Moses Moody and Miles McBride. Not even a decent PF to then just back fill a different third guard.

I think the play is just give Al an extra big contract when he is done and trade him with the golden parachute for Isaiah Stewart.

Wouldn't be surprised if it went the other way. Celtics are rumored to be interested in Ajay Mitchell 6'4" point guard with the 30th pick. Wouldn't be surprised if PP is moved to Portland (or some other team) for something like the 34th and 40th pick. Would save the Celtics a ton of money and be able to give DWhite his full extension.

People have to realize the way to keep this thing going is to keep the Top 6 and then next regular season develop the Walsh, Springer, Queta, Peterson, Davison, 30th pick etc. to be able to play backup roles. Just gets way too expensive otherwise.

[Jammer]

I think there is a chance that Pritchard is moved at the draft. If the Celtics are going to be looking to save a little money then Pritchard is the obvious player to be moved. Not saying I want this to happen, just saying PP is the obvious choice.

I looked pretty recently for the classic “PP/+1st” trade to see what could be available and it’s still really limited. Guys like Moses Moody and Miles McBride. Not even a decent PF to then just back fill a different third guard.

I think the play is just give Al an extra big contract when he is done and trade him with the golden parachute for Isaiah Stewart.

Wouldn't be surprised if it went the other way. Celtics are rumored to be interested in Ajay Mitchell 6'4" point guard with the 30th pick. Wouldn't be surprised if PP is moved to Portland (or some other team) for something like the 34th and 40th pick. Would save the Celtics a ton of money and be able to give DWhite his full extension.

People have to realize the way to keep this thing going is to keep the Top 6 and then next regular season develop the Walsh, Springer, Queta, Peterson, Davison, 30th pick etc. to be able to play backup roles. Just gets way too expensive otherwise.

Utah has the 10, 29 and 32, and is way under the salary floor. Pritch into Cap Space for a 29 and 32?
Problem is Utah has undersized guards in Collin Sexton (more of an undersized SG than a PG even though he can defend PGs) and Keyonte George, also more of an undersized SG than a PG. Pritch kinda duplicates what they already have, so we can forget about this idea, but it's along the lines. Or maybe find a team with an extra PF who the Celts think is playoff rotation capable.

[threrf23]

We can do what Golden State did for a couple of years. They cared very little about who was gonna play the 5..put all their energy and their $ into the other 4 positions..just put in guys like Zaza Pachulia, Looney, Andrew Bogut and past his prime Cousins at the 5..rotating them in and out, sometimes with Draymond as a small ball 5. And they won 4 titles.

Defensively, they effectively had Dray playing the five. At least, they had the option. He was the equivalent of an elite defensive center. We don't have that.

I have a nearly opposite take.

Look at recent NBA champions and their starting front courts:

'23 Nuggets - Jokic/Gordon

'22 Warriors - Dray/Looney

'21 Bucks - Lopez/Giannis

'20 Lakers - Dwight/AD

'19 Raptors - Gasol/Siakam

'18 Warriors - McGee/Dray

'17 Warriors - Zaza/Dray

'16 Cavs - Love/Lebron

'15 Warriors - Bogut/Dray

'14 Spurs - Diaw/Duncan

'13 Heat - Bosh/Bron

'12 Heat - Bosh/Bron

'11 Mavs - Chandler/Dirk

'10 Lakers - Bynum/Gasol

'09 Lakers - Bynum/Gasol

'08 Celtics - Perk/KG

'07 Spurs - Oberto/Duncan

'06 Heat - Shaq/Haslem

'05 Spurs - Mohammed/Duncan

'04 Pistons - Wallace/Wallace

Defining "big man" as a player who wouldn't seem out of place at Center, several of these teams had a two big lineup, and none had an outright small lineup. Many of these teams had an elite defensive center (or the equivalent), and the ones which did not at least had an all-star caliber big man.

In fact, I think literaly every team on that list had at least one all star caliber big man, if we define all star as an all star game appearance which occured either the season of or season after the championship. Dray was an all star in '21-22, Kevin Love an all star in '16-17, Gasol an all star '08-11, Siakam an all star in '19-20 (I don't really view Siakam as a star big man, but Marc Gasol was a key pick up for them too that year).

Perhaps star big men are fewer and fewer in today's NBA. But history says that even in the modern NBA, "star" big men win championships even more often than superstars. KP when healthy may as well be an all star big, Tillman + more familiarity could ideally give us a Dray like presence on defense, and that should be sufficient given our overall depth elsewhere. But if we are trying to turn this thing into a dynasty, this is currently our one relative weakness. And we should ideally try to address it.

We also lack a stud rebounder. I don't want to take anything away from our championship this year (nor do I want to jinx it, lol), but we were lucky to face up against the Mavs, who also lack in their front court.

I don't want to get ahead of things, but if we could somehow add a stud or stud lite center to play alongside KP; IMO we end up with better overall balance in addition to KP insurance.

[djFan71]

I think there is a chance that Pritchard is moved at the draft. If the Celtics are going to be looking to save a little money then Pritchard is the obvious player to be moved. Not saying I want this to happen, just saying PP is the obvious choice.

I looked pretty recently for the classic “PP/+1st” trade to see what could be available and it’s still really limited. Guys like Moses Moody and Miles McBride. Not even a decent PF to then just back fill a different third guard.

I think the play is just give Al an extra big contract when he is done and trade him with the golden parachute for Isaiah Stewart.

Wouldn't be surprised if it went the other way. Celtics are rumored to be interested in Ajay Mitchell 6'4" point guard with the 30th pick. Wouldn't be surprised if PP is moved to Portland (or some other team) for something like the 34th and 40th pick. Would save the Celtics a ton of money and be able to give DWhite his full extension.

People have to realize the way to keep this thing going is to keep the Top 6 and then next regular season develop the Walsh, Springer, Queta, Peterson, Davison, 30th pick etc. to be able to play backup roles. Just gets way too expensive otherwise.

Or we move up with Pritchard. I think ORL or TOR at 18/19 could be interested in Pritchard.

I did a 3-way with CHA where ORL got PP for 18, CHA got 30 for 42 & Curry, we got 18, 42 & Curry for PP, 30.

Take Da Silva or Holmes at 18.
Play Springer from day 1.
Draft Mitchell at 42 if he falls. Or Newton or draft some other position and keep JD.
Have Curry as a vet fallback


OR skip the Curry part and just take Da Silva / Holmes at 18, Mitchell at 30 and sign a vet min PG.

[phincsfan]

Contract Status

PG
Derrick White thru 2025 (extension Eligible)
Payton Pritchard thru 2028
Jaden Springer thru 2025 (Restricted)

SG
Jrue Holiday (Player Option in 2028)
Sam Hauser (2025 Not Guaranteed, but will be)
Svi Mykhailiuk FREE AGENT, won't get more than minimum from anyone

SF
Jaylen Brown (thru 2028)
Oshae Brissett - Player Option for 2025.
Jordan Walsh thru 2025 with Team Options for 2026 and 2027

PF
Jayson Tatum (Player Option 2026)
Luke Kornet - FREE AGENT
Xavier Tillman - FREE AGENT

C
Kristaps Porzingis thru 2026
Al Horford thru 2025
Neemias Queata (2025 not guaranteed, but will be)

The Celtics have 11 guys returning (they will guarantee Hauser and Queta's contracts).

Of the 4 Free Agents,
Mykhailiuk won't get more than minimum from anyone, so they could have him back, if they want him.

Oshae Brissett has a player option, but is not a walk-in the door backup for any NBA Team so it's questionable why anyone would pay more than minimum for a #11-#15 player. Even on a team where someone is injured, and they need a Reserve to step into a Backup role, don't know that he'd be a guy that they'd spend on.

Kornet is the Biggest ?? because there are teams where he could conceivably be given a Backup role, vs his current Reserve role. Backups get more than minimum. Kornet is likely GONE for greener pastures.

Xavier Tillman at 6' 7" is not an SF, he's a PF who maybe can play some small ball center, but it's a big maybe. Don't know that there is a team where he can walk in the door as a Backup. If not, he's a 3rd stringer, which is what is he is Boston, but 3rd stringers get paid minimum. It's just a question of location (Miami, LA, Minny Ha Ha Snow Storms) you get the picture, where he wants to hang his sneakers. He might see a bigger opportunity somewhere else, which could lead to a bigger pay day eventually.

I think there is a chance that Pritchard is moved at the draft. If the Celtics are going to be looking to save a little money then Pritchard is the obvious player to be moved. Not saying I want this to happen, just saying PP is the obvious choice.

First time poster

I agree that PP is a potential trade candidate. He's a player who's gonna have championship experience.

I'm not a salary cap guy, but I think meat will have to be trimmed in order to lock up DWhite. If it takes trading PP in order to guarantee we can keep White, then do it.

Is there a team who wants a microwave 6ft perimeter scorer who has a team friendly contract for the next 4 years?

[phincsfan]

Contract Status

PG
Derrick White thru 2025 (extension Eligible)
Payton Pritchard thru 2028
Jaden Springer thru 2025 (Restricted)

SG
Jrue Holiday (Player Option in 2028)
Sam Hauser (2025 Not Guaranteed, but will be)
Svi Mykhailiuk FREE AGENT, won't get more than minimum from anyone

SF
Jaylen Brown (thru 2028)
Oshae Brissett - Player Option for 2025.
Jordan Walsh thru 2025 with Team Options for 2026 and 2027

PF
Jayson Tatum (Player Option 2026)
Luke Kornet - FREE AGENT
Xavier Tillman - FREE AGENT

C
Kristaps Porzingis thru 2026
Al Horford thru 2025
Neemias Queata (2025 not guaranteed, but will be)

The Celtics have 11 guys returning (they will guarantee Hauser and Queta's contracts).

Of the 4 Free Agents,
Mykhailiuk won't get more than minimum from anyone, so they could have him back, if they want him.

Oshae Brissett has a player option, but is not a walk-in the door backup for any NBA Team so it's questionable why anyone would pay more than minimum for a #11-#15 player. Even on a team where someone is injured, and they need a Reserve to step into a Backup role, don't know that he'd be a guy that they'd spend on.

Kornet is the Biggest ?? because there are teams where he could conceivably be given a Backup role, vs his current Reserve role. Backups get more than minimum. Kornet is likely GONE for greener pastures.

Xavier Tillman at 6' 7" is not an SF, he's a PF who maybe can play some small ball center, but it's a big maybe. Don't know that there is a team where he can walk in the door as a Backup. If not, he's a 3rd stringer, which is what is he is Boston, but 3rd stringers get paid minimum. It's just a question of location (Miami, LA, Minny Ha Ha Snow Storms) you get the picture, where he wants to hang his sneakers. He might see a bigger opportunity somewhere else, which could lead to a bigger pay day eventually.

I think there is a chance that Pritchard is moved at the draft. If the Celtics are going to be looking to save a little money then Pritchard is the obvious player to be moved. Not saying I want this to happen, just saying PP is the obvious choice.

The same thought has crossed my mind. They may be ready to committ to Jaden Springer, who is more athletic and taller. If so, they'd probably look for a PF for Pritch or maybe move up in the draft (but this is a weak draft) or future draft compensation.

I like Springer alot and I hope they lock him up in the gym all offseason shooting 3's with X.

[Celts17Pride]

Contract Status

PG
Derrick White thru 2025 (extension Eligible)
Payton Pritchard thru 2028
Jaden Springer thru 2025 (Restricted)

SG
Jrue Holiday (Player Option in 2028)
Sam Hauser (2025 Not Guaranteed, but will be)
Svi Mykhailiuk FREE AGENT, won't get more than minimum from anyone

SF
Jaylen Brown (thru 2028)
Oshae Brissett - Player Option for 2025.
Jordan Walsh thru 2025 with Team Options for 2026 and 2027

PF
Jayson Tatum (Player Option 2026)
Luke Kornet - FREE AGENT
Xavier Tillman - FREE AGENT

C
Kristaps Porzingis thru 2026
Al Horford thru 2025
Neemias Queata (2025 not guaranteed, but will be)

The Celtics have 11 guys returning (they will guarantee Hauser and Queta's contracts).

Of the 4 Free Agents,
Mykhailiuk won't get more than minimum from anyone, so they could have him back, if they want him.

Oshae Brissett has a player option, but is not a walk-in the door backup for any NBA Team so it's questionable why anyone would pay more than minimum for a #11-#15 player. Even on a team where someone is injured, and they need a Reserve to step into a Backup role, don't know that he'd be a guy that they'd spend on.

Kornet is the Biggest ?? because there are teams where he could conceivably be given a Backup role, vs his current Reserve role. Backups get more than minimum. Kornet is likely GONE for greener pastures.

Xavier Tillman at 6' 7" is not an SF, he's a PF who maybe can play some small ball center, but it's a big maybe. Don't know that there is a team where he can walk in the door as a Backup. If not, he's a 3rd stringer, which is what is he is Boston, but 3rd stringers get paid minimum. It's just a question of location (Miami, LA, Minny Ha Ha Snow Storms) you get the picture, where he wants to hang his sneakers. He might see a bigger opportunity somewhere else, which could lead to a bigger pay day eventually.

I think there is a chance that Pritchard is moved at the draft. If the Celtics are going to be looking to save a little money then Pritchard is the obvious player to be moved. Not saying I want this to happen, just saying PP is the obvious choice.

First time poster

I agree that PP is a potential trade candidate. He's a player who's gonna have championship experience.

I'm not a salary cap guy, but I think meat will have to be trimmed in order to lock up DWhite. If it takes trading PP in order to guarantee we can keep White, then do it.

Is there a team who wants a microwave 6ft perimeter scorer who has a team friendly contract for the next 4 years?

Welcome to Celtics RealGM!

[phincsfan]

I think there is a chance that Pritchard is moved at the draft. If the Celtics are going to be looking to save a little money then Pritchard is the obvious player to be moved. Not saying I want this to happen, just saying PP is the obvious choice.

First time poster

I agree that PP is a potential trade candidate. He's a player who's gonna have championship experience.

I'm not a salary cap guy, but I think meat will have to be trimmed in order to lock up DWhite. If it takes trading PP in order to guarantee we can keep White, then do it.

Is there a team who wants a microwave 6ft perimeter scorer who has a team friendly contract for the next 4 years?

Welcome to Celtics RealGM!

47 years old so this will be fun

[Hal14]

We can do what Golden State did for a couple of years. They cared very little about who was gonna play the 5..put all their energy and their $ into the other 4 positions..just put in guys like Zaza Pachulia, Looney, Andrew Bogut and past his prime Cousins at the 5..rotating them in and out, sometimes with Draymond as a small ball 5. And they won 4 titles.

Defensively, they effectively had Dray playing the five. At least, they had the option. He was the equivalent of an elite defensive center. We don't have that.

I have a nearly opposite take.

Look at recent NBA champions and their starting front courts:

'23 Nuggets - Jokic/Gordon

'22 Warriors - Dray/Looney

'21 Bucks - Lopez/Giannis

'20 Lakers - Dwight/AD

'19 Raptors - Gasol/Siakam

'18 Warriors - McGee/Dray

'17 Warriors - Zaza/Dray

'16 Cavs - Love/Lebron

'15 Warriors - Bogut/Dray

'14 Spurs - Diaw/Duncan

'13 Heat - Bosh/Bron

'12 Heat - Bosh/Bron

'11 Mavs - Chandler/Dirk

'10 Lakers - Bynum/Gasol

'09 Lakers - Bynum/Gasol

'08 Celtics - Perk/KG

'07 Spurs - Oberto/Duncan

'06 Heat - Shaq/Haslem

'05 Spurs - Mohammed/Duncan

'04 Pistons - Wallace/Wallace

Defining "big man" as a player who wouldn't seem out of place at Center, several of these teams had a two big lineup, and none had an outright small lineup. Many of these teams had an elite defensive center (or the equivalent), and the ones which did not at least had an all-star caliber big man.

In fact, I think literaly every team on that list had at least one all star caliber big man, if we define all star as an all star game appearance which occured either the season of or season after the championship. Dray was an all star in '21-22, Kevin Love an all star in '16-17, Gasol an all star '08-11, Siakam an all star in '19-20 (I don't really view Siakam as a star big man, but Marc Gasol was a key pick up for them too that year).

Perhaps star big men are fewer and fewer in today's NBA. But history says that even in the modern NBA, "star" big men win championships even more often than superstars. KP when healthy may as well be an all star big, Tillman + more familiarity could ideally give us a Dray like presence on defense, and that should be sufficient given our overall depth elsewhere. But if we are trying to turn this thing into a dynasty, this is currently our one relative weakness. And we should ideally try to address it.

We also lack a stud rebounder. I don't want to take anything away from our championship this year (nor do I want to jinx it, lol), but we were lucky to face up against the Mavs, who also lack in their front court.

I don't want to get ahead of things, but if we could somehow add a stud or stud lite center to play alongside KP; IMO we end up with better overall balance in addition to KP insurance.

1) Going all the way back to 2004 and 2005 isn't very relevant to a discussion about what our roster should look like in the 24-25 season. It's a very different league these days.

The NBA in 2024 is more about pace, spacing and 3 pt shooting than ever before. It's all about spreading the floor, playing 5 guys out, drive and kick, need all shooters on the floor (or at least 4 shooters on the floor).

2) Most of these examples are also not as relevant to the Celtics because they didn't have the type of talent/star power that Boston has at the guard/wing positions. We literally have 4 all-star caliber players at the guard/wing positions, with 1 of them being a top 5 player in the league & another being probably a top 15 player in the league. Those other teams you listed did not have the type of talent/star power at the guard/wing positions as we do - except for maybe the Warriors teams that had Steph/Klay/KD/Iggy. And those warriors teams had Zaza Pachulia at the 5, and dominated the crap out of everybody.

3) My main point here is about mitigating risk.

Over the past few years, injuries have played a big factor in who wins (or doesn't win) the NBA title. I don't think there's really much of a debate on that one.

Well, for the past 6 yrs now, we have had one of the most injury prone players in the league at center (Rob for 5 yrs, and now KP for 1). Again, this is more anecdotal (rather than data) but it seems to be like over the past few yrs, bigs are more injury prone than guards/wings are (not just Rob and KP, but also guys like Mitchell Robinson, Zach Collins, Embiid, Giannis, Nurkic have been injury prone, Chet Holmgren missed his entire rookie season to injury, etc.

Sure, guards/wings sometimes get hurt too. Like Haliburton and Mitchell in this year's playoffs..but both of them only missed a couple of games. And it seems like cases like that happen far less often than bigs getting hurt. Jimmy Butler got hurt in this year's playoffs (and has also been hurt in other postseasons) but he's also getting old..age 34..guys when they hit that age are typically more injury prone.

Bottom line, you mitigate the risk by having more durable guys on your team, less injury prone guys. Hence, why the Celtics did not think twice about trading Kemba, Hayward, Gallinari, Rob, Brogdon..and even Smart was injured quite a bit during his last few yrs in Boston.

It wouldn't shock me if KP is the next damaged goods player to get moved. It's a big risk if so much of your title hopes are tied to an injury prone player - you reduce that risk by moving KP. And if you move KP, well now all of a sudden you have 4 all-star caliber players at guard/wing, (a top 5 player at wing, another all-NBA player at wing), 7 of your top 8 players are guards/wings and the only big is a 38 yr old guy.

So why not double down on guards/wings? have a committee approach at center. So you have 3-5 guys who can all play a little bit at that the 5 (you're not over-reliant on 1 of them so you're not screwed if 1 of them gets hurt). 1 of them can be Tatum in short spurts here and there (since he has good size, strength and is a god rebounder and also a decent shot blocker). And the other guys at the 5 can all be on cheap contracts, which allows you to spend more $ on guards/wings..more $ so you can afford to keep white long term, you can afford to keep Hauser long term, etc.

It's just a thought I was having..I mean who knows, we could get a pretty good player in exchange for KP..

Lastly, pretty much any championship team is gonna have at least 1 guy in the starting lineup who is kind of meh (KCP on the 2023 nuggets, Looney on the 2022 warriors, PJ Tucker on the 21' bucks, 2020 lakers it was KCP, rondo, Mcgee or Green, 2010 raptors it was Danny Green, etc.).

I'm simply saying that if we got 1 guy in our starting lineup who is meh, let's have it be the center. Because a) bigs get hurt more than guards/wings and b) we already have lots of star talent at the other 4 positions

[shackles10]

Just for fun... Realistic targets given we only have vet min to offer. Forget roster spots and all that, just the bets potential ring chasers out there. In no particular order I've got...

Wesley Matthews
Svi
Lonnie Walker
Andre Drummond
Marcus Morris Sr.
Derrick Jones Jr. (but he's probably getting a raise somewhere right? or maybe not after the Finals performance lol)
Evan Fournier (maybe just as a Svi replacement if we completely strike out?)
Dario Saric
Jeff Green
Daniel Theis
Christian Wood (but surely he doesn't sign another vet min deal right?)
Thomas Bryant
Patty Mills
Monte Morris
Alec Burks
Gordon Hayward
Gary Harris
Kelly Oubre Jr. (had a good statistical season so maybe gets more)
Javele McGee
Cedi Osman
Kris Dunn


Out of those there are several that are just names, bad fits, bad attitude, take your pick. I'd be interested in a vacuum in Lonnie Walker, Jeff Green, Theis, Alec Burks, Hayward, Gary Harris. Depth pieces, but could probably get more playing time for other teams. The normal ring chasing market may not be there for us as much just because we don't have obvious holes/needs so don't be surprised if we aren't super picky on fit and just take the depth imo.

[redslastlaugh]

On spotrac the luxury tax bill this season is $41 million, but extra arena revenue for the Cs from a Finals run is over $50 million with Celts keeping 75% (25% going to the NBA). So the team makes roughly $40 million to cover a roughly $40 million tax bill.

Next season luxury tax payments will be higher, maybe $50-$60 million, but again with the chance to offset most of it with a deep run. Wyc’s recent public statements about ownership being paid in parades, suggests ownership’s fine with being a big tax team next season.

However, in 25-26, when White and Tatum extensions kick in … that’s when the economics get difficult, as luxury tax payments can get into hundreds of millions of dollars…

So, we’ll see … but for next year, I think we’re in good shape.

Contract Status

PG
Derrick White thru 2025 (extension Eligible)
Payton Pritchard thru 2028
Jaden Springer thru 2025 (Restricted)

SG
Jrue Holiday (Player Option in 2028)
Sam Hauser (2025 Not Guaranteed, but will be)
Svi Mykhailiuk FREE AGENT, won't get more than minimum from anyone

SF
Jaylen Brown (thru 2028)
Oshae Brissett - Player Option for 2025.
Jordan Walsh thru 2025 with Team Options for 2026 and 2027

PF
Jayson Tatum (Player Option 2026)
Luke Kornet - FREE AGENT
Xavier Tillman - FREE AGENT

C
Kristaps Porzingis thru 2026
Al Horford thru 2025
Neemias Queata (2025 not guaranteed, but will be)

The Celtics have 11 guys returning (they will guarantee Hauser and Queta's contracts).