{"id":81940,"date":"2024-06-19T15:31:01","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T19:31:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=81940"},"modified":"2024-06-22T12:41:45","modified_gmt":"2024-06-22T16:41:45","slug":"nba-offseason-preview-whats-next-for-the-celtics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/19\/nba-offseason-preview-whats-next-for-the-celtics\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 NBA Offseason Preview: What&#8217;s Next For The Celtics?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">After a dominant season, culminating in the Celtics <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/18\/4-reasons-why-the-celtics-won-the-nba-championship\/\" target=\"_self\">winning the NBA <\/a><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/18\/4-reasons-why-the-celtics-won-the-nba-championship\/\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">championship<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> they now look ahead to the offseason. The Celtics have their core players locked up and will continue their success in the coming seasons. However, in both the draft and free <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">agency<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the Celtics can add slight yet meaningful upgrades to their championship roster.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>2024 NBA Offseason Preview: What&#8217;s Next For The Celtics?<\/h2>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Season Recap\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Celtics had a dominant and historic season this year. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Highlighted<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">of<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">course<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> by winning a record-breaking 18th NBA championship. Furthermore, the Celtics posted a record of\u00a0 64-18 (80-21 <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">including<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the playoffs) while having\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">both<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a top-five <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statmuse.com\/nba\/ask\/best-net-rating-in-nba-history-by-season\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">net rating<\/a> and a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.statmuse.com\/nba\/ask\/best-point-differentials-in-nba-history-by-season\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">point differential<\/a> of all time. With a 16-3 playoff <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/enjoybasketball.beehiiv.com\/p\/celtics-champs\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">record<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the Celtics became one of three title teams since 2000 to lose four or fewer playoff games. The <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Celtics&#8217;<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> success <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">was defined<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> by balance and all-around players.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The additions of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/porzikr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kristaps Porzingis<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/holidjr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jrue Holiday<\/a> proved to be the missing pieces <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">next<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to the Celtics established core of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/tatumja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jayson Tatum<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brownja02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaylen Brown<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/whitede01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Derrick White<\/a>, and<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/horfoal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Al Horford<\/a>. Impressively, the Celtics <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">were able to get<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> All-Star level players to buy into lesser yet crucial roles. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">On the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">season<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the Celtics had the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">league&#8217;s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> best offense <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">which<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> was also the\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">best offensive rating of all time and the second-best defense in the league.<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> highlights their incredible balance <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">which\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">along<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> with three-pointers, second-year head coach Joe Mazzulla <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">preaches<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0All of the Celtics contributed to their success.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"BOSTON CELTICS ARE YOUR 2024 NBA CHAMPIONS \ud83c\udfc6 | 2024 NBA Finals\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vnm9gai1WBg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Brown and Tatum led the way as consistent scoring threats with an all-around impact. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Holiday and White played vital roles as versatile point-of-attack defenders, spot-up shooters, and connective playmakers. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Porzingis unlocked a new dimension for the Celtics on both ends of the floor <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">giving<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> them an elite lob threat and mismatch hunter offensively with versatile rim protection on defense. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Horford stepped up massively when Porzingis went down in playoffs to provide the Celtics with elite spacing and switchable defense. The beloved veteran&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boston.com\/sports\/boston-celtics\/2024\/06\/18\/al-horford-boston-celtics-nba-finals-dallas-mavericks\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">impact<\/a> on this team can not be understated. Moreover, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hausesa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Hauser<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/pritcpa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Payton Pritchard<\/a> gave the Celtics a shooting spark off the bench as well as solid all-around play.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">While winning the title was the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">clear<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> goal, this incredible success unsurprisingly garnered several individual awards. Brown won both <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/18\/celtics-pillar-jaylen-brown-bestowed-fmvp-honor-nba-finals-victory\/\" target=\"_self\">Finals MVP<\/a> and Eastern Conference MVP for his stellar two-way play in both series. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All season long<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Brown<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> proved his <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/03\/15\/how-jaylen-brown-is-living-up-to-his-massive-contract\/\" target=\"_self\">value<\/a> after signing a massive contract last summer.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tatum was named first-team All-NBA while Holiday and White were awarded second-team <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/03\/16\/how-many-celtics-will-make-the-all-defense-team\/\" target=\"_self\">All-Defense<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Projected Cap Space and Draft Picks\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Over the Second Apron\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Celtics are over the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">NBA\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> newly instituted<a href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/cap\/_\/year\/2024\/sort\/cap_maximum_space\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> second apron<\/a> tax penalty. There are now several restrictions limiting the franchise. Notably, they <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">aren\u2019t<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> allowed to use the mid-level expectation, aggregate two or more player salaries in a trade, send out cash in <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">trade<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, acquire a player with a sign and trade, or acquire a larger salary in a trade.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> makes any meaningful trade nearly impossible and limits the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Celtics&#8217;<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> spending power to a minimum contract. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Celtics will <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">be tied<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to this core for the foreseeable future. Luckily <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">this<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> is a championship-winning roster that <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">is capable of replicating<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> this success for years to come. Credit owner Wyc Grousbeck for constantly investing in this roster while empowering <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/18\/the-best-moves-of-the-brad-stevens-era\/\" target=\"_self\">Brad Stevens<\/a> to make <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">difficult<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> yet <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">extremely valuable<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> moves.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">30th and 54th Overall Picks\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Primary Targets\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/bobi-klintman-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bobi Klintman\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/oso-ighodaro-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Oso Ighodaro<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/jaylon-tyson-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jaylon Tyson\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/jaylon-tyson-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Harrison Ingram\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/ryan-dunn-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ryan Dunn\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/terrence-shannonjr-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Terrence Shannon<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Ingram and Dunn have worked out with the Celtics and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">are projected<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">be picked<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> around 30th. They would both provide the Celtics with a defensive-minded wing off the bench. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/17\/jaylon-tyson-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Tyson<\/a> and Klintman are talented all-around forwards with <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">both\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the ability to play minutes immediately and upside. They should be at the top of the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Celtics&#8217;<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> boards if available at the end of the first round.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Shannon would give the Celtics a different dimension as a big shot <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">creating<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> guard off the bench. Most of the top big men will likely be off the board <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">but<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/21\/oso-ighodaro-2024-nba-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\"> Ighodaro<\/a> would fit in perfectly with the Celtics as a high-IQ big man with a knack for rebounding and passing <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">he<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> could eventually blossom into a Horford-esque role.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Additionally, the Celtics have <a href=\"https:\/\/hoopshype.com\/lists\/2024-draft-workouts-tracker\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">worked out<\/a> a plethora of projected second-round picks<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Including<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">,<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/baylor-scheierman-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Baylor Scheierman<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/dillon-jones-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dillon Jones<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/antonio-reeves-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Antonio Reeves,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/justin-edwards-4.html\\\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Justin Edwards,<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/judah-mintz-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Judah Mintz<\/a>. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Players such as Scheierman or Jones could be used<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> with the Celtics first-round pick.<\/span>\u00a0<span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Scheierman\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> shooting would make him a natural fit with the Celtics system.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">However, one strategy to keep an eye on is the Celtics trading down to the second round to land more assets and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">or\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">multiple second-round picks this year. Last year <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Brad<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Stevens traded down for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/walshjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jordan Walsh<\/a> and future assets. Ultimately, with the Celtics cap <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">situation<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> they should target players who could crack the rotation sooner rather than <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">later,<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and fit with their style of play.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pending Free Agents\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/kornelu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Luke Kornet<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/tillmxa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Xavier Tillman<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sam Hauser (Team option)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/q\/quetane01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Neemias Queta<\/a> (Team option)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brissos01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Oshae Brissett<\/a> (Player option)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mykhasv01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Svi Mykhailiuk<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/peterdr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Drew Peterson<\/a> (Restricted)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/davisjd01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">JD Davison<\/a> (Restricted)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Celtics <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">don\u2019t<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> have a ton of <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">important<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/free-agents\/_\/year\/2024\/team\/bos\/sort\/contract_value\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> free agents<\/a>. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a no-brainer for the Celtics to pick up <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Hauser\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> $2 million dollar team option and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">look for<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> them to give him an extension if they can afford it. Kornet and Tillman are serviceable regular-season bigs <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">but<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">it\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> unclear if both players will <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">be <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">brought back<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kornet\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> size, lob threat abilities, and tenure with the team give him a solid chance to <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">be brought back<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tillman&#8217;s possible return is intriguing<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, with<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> his skill set as an all-around high-IQ big <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">man<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> he could play a Horford-like role. It feels likely the Celtics bring back one of these bigs <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">probably<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> not both <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">but<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">that <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">can\u2019t<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> be ruled out<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Given the option, I would prioritize Tillman due to his well-rounded impact. Queta is an athletic rim runner and rebounder. However, his role dwindled throughout the year <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the Celtics could decline his 2 million dollar team option. Additionally, the Celtics draft will influence their decisions on these three big men.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The only other free agent who played any minutes was Brissett <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">who<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> has a $2.4 million dollar player option. Brissett is a <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">high-energy<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> defensive-minded forward <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">however<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, he was never a consistent part of the Celtics rotation. Brissett belongs in an NBA rotation as a defensive-minded wing, maybe even the Celtics rotation <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">however<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> he may leave to seek an opportunity to receive <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">real<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> minutes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Realistic Off-Season Targets\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Trade<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Celtics&#8217;<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> financial situation limits their potential for off-season moves. Crucially, the Celtics can only trade in which one <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">player&#8217;s\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">salary <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">is sent out<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> they receive equal or less salary in exchange. Luckily <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">they<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> have a title team intact and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">don\u2019t<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> need any significant moves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Free Agents\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/drumman01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andre Drummond<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/holidju01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Justin Holiday<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/craigto01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Torrey Craig<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dunnkr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2024-06-19_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kris Dunn<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Once <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">again<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the second apron tax penalty limits the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Celtics&#8217;<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> moves. The only spending power Boston has this offseason is minimum contracts. Drummond could be a solid rotational big-man option if Kornet and or Tillman <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">don\u2019t<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> return. Justin Holiday would be a solid veteran wing option as <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jrue\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> brother <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">this is<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> an exciting option. Another interesting option is Craig who would give the Celtics a low-cost 3-and-D wing. The Celtics had interest in Dunn at the deadline<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, his<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> defensive fit off the bench is intriguing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">While they are not technically free agents, this offseason <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">two<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> key Celtics are eligible for extensions: Jayson Tatum and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/11\/report-boston-celtics-core-player-seeking-contract-extension-derrick-white\/\" target=\"_self\">Derrick White<\/a>. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tatum <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">is set<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hoopshype.com\/2024\/06\/18\/celtics-will-soon-offer-jayson-tatum-a-315-million-extension\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> receive<\/a> a five-year $315 million <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">dollar<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> supermax contract that would make him the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">league\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> highest-paid player.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> As the catalyst of a championship-winning team <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">securing<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Tatum under this long-term deal is an easy decision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">White is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nba\/news\/celtics-hoping-to-extend-derrick-white-a-potential-team-usa-injury-replacement-for-olympics-per-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">eligible<\/a> for a four-year $126 million dollar extension. The Celtics and White are reportedly actively working on this extension. Securing these two key core pieces will be a top priority for the Celtics this offseason <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> both players are likely to agree to their extensions early in the offseason. The Celtics have a championship core <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">they have<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a real chance to sustain this success. As a result, their offseason goals will focus on keeping the core together and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">small\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">upgrades around them.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After a dominant season, culminating in the Celtics winning the NBA championship they now look ahead to the offseason. The Celtics have their core players locked up and will continue their success in the coming seasons. However, in both the draft and free agency the Celtics can add slight yet meaningful upgrades to their championship [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4779,"featured_media":81984,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"1","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1608,5,556],"tags":[250,1090,450,798,239,138,49265],"class_list":["post-81940","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba","category-basketball","category-celtics","category-nba-draft","tag-al-horford","tag-derrick-white","tag-jaylen-brown","tag-jayson-tatum","tag-jrue-holiday","tag-kristaps-porzingis","tag-nba-off-season-previews"],"modified_by":"Eamon Cassels, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81940","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4779"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81940"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81940\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81940"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81940"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81940"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}