With the 2023 NBA Finals wrapped up and the Denver Nuggets taking residence their first NBA title in franchise historical past, the offseason is formally all programs go heading into subsequent season. After a stinging defeat in Sport 7 to the Miami Warmth, Boston’s historic comeback got here up quick and left them with an offseason riddled with questions.
What’s going to occur with Jaylen Brown’s supermax extension, and can he say no? Do the Celtics plan on protecting restricted free agent Grant Williams, whatever the price ticket? As the brand new CBA looms on the horizon, all the NBA is certain to be making strikes with future monetary implications in thoughts, and that’s very true with the Celtics. Per Brian Robb of MassLive, Boston has already been energetic, working the telephone strains forward of the 2023 NBA Draft on June twenty second:
The Celtics is probably not within the hunt for large names like Bradley Beal forward of the 2023 NBA Draft however that has not stopped Brad Stevens and the remainder of Boston’s entrance workplace from in search of out potential upgrades. A league supply tells MassLive that the Celtics have been one of many extra energetic groups within the league in commerce talks forward of Thursday’s draft.
The Washington Wizards appear to be lastly pulling the set off on a protracted overdue rebuild, and with it the return of Bradley Beal commerce talks. In fact, Celtics star Jayson Tatum has a well-documented friendship with Beal going all the way in which again to their childhood in St. Louis, however there’s been no substantiated stories about Boston’s present curiosity in buying and selling for the longtime Wizard. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has reported that the Celtics aren’t actually in on Beal, and would favor to retain All-NBA star Jaylen Brown by inking him to a supermax extension this summer season. Windhorst had additionally beforehand reported that if Brown had been voted All-NBA, he would signal an extension this offseason.
The identical can’t be mentioned for another members of the Celtics, particularly in Boston’s backcourt. It’s been reported most just lately by The Athletic’s Jay King that Payton Pritchard would ideally be moved this summer season in a commerce, as he seeks a bigger function after being buried within the depth chart behind Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon. Robb additional fanned the flames, and advised that it is probably not Payton Pritchard who’s moved because of his smaller contract:
Boston solely holds the No. 35 general decide however the crew is making potential tweaks to the supporting solid round Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics are significantly loaded within the backcourt with Marcus Good, Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon and Payton Pritchard all beneath contract for subsequent season and the crew is investigating shifting a guard to enhance different areas of the roster per a league supply. Pritchard has been open about his need for extra enjoying time throughout this previous season in Boston or a brand new residence however the Celtics could discover extra monetary flexibility to enhance different areas of the roster by shifting a higher-paid guard like Good or Brogdon.
After buying him from the Indiana Pacers this previous summer season, Malcolm Brogdon was an integral a part of the Celtics common season success, and earned himself Sixth Man of the 12 months for his efforts as a key cog of Boston’s second unit. Nonetheless, a forearm ligament tear value Brogdon dearly within the Japanese Convention Finals, and his affect was considerably lessened throughout the Celtics sequence towards the Warmth. Whereas it was a disappointing playoff run for Brogdon, the previous Rookie of the 12 months proved his affect on profitable basketball and that could be why the Celtics want to transfer him proper now.
When it comes to well being, this was by far the healthiest and most-productive season Brogdon had gotten beneath his belt in a very long time, even should you embody his poorly-timed playoff damage. With a $22.5 million cap hit by way of 2025 and the brand new CBA certain to be tough, Brogdon’s worth could by no means be this excessive once more. After shopping for low on him final offseason, Boston ought to look to maneuver Brogdon to shore up depth on different spots on the roster whereas additionally clearing a path for Payton Pritchard to have a task once more. It may also give Derrick White an opportunity for a much bigger function after a superb season with the Celtics.
Whereas it’s unsure if Brogdon had been talked about in any talks, Pistons beat author James L. Edwards III of The Athletic echoed the identical information concerning the Celtics being energetic on the commerce market. Edwards reported that Boston in addition to different groups have contacted Detroit about heart Isaiah Stewart, but in addition mentioned that the Pistons had been unlikely to maneuver the rugged huge man.
With solely per week between the Celtics and draft evening, there’s definitely going to be chatter rising louder and louder across the league.
