Heading into the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, the Boston Celtics are preparing for a busy offseason. With extensions, free agency, and potential trades on the horizon, the Celtics’ front office has a lot to navigate once the free agency moratorium ends on July 6.
According to league and team sources, the first order of business for the Celtics is expected to be Grant Williams’ restricted free agency. While most teams have limited cap space, the Celtics have explored the possibility of a sign-and-trade or using the midlevel exception (MLE) for Williams. Several teams, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, New York, and Washington, are reportedly still interested in Williams, who will be eligible to sign an offer sheet on July 6. The Celtics will then have 24 hours to match the offer.
Boston has been seeking a first-round pick in return for Williams, although it is uncommon for a sign-and-trade involving a role player to yield such a significant return. Once Williams’ situation is resolved, the Celtics will have a clearer picture of their future plans, especially in regards to signing Jaylen Brown to a designated veteran extension.
Discussions surrounding a designated veteran extension for Brown are expected to pick up momentum during the Summer League. Unlike other designated rookie extensions that have been agreed upon, Brown’s contract is more complex, and the delay in negotiations is attributed to the recent flurry of free agency activity.
Brown, who is entering his age-27 season, can earn 35 percent of the cap as a designated veteran, compared to the 30 percent rookie supermax. The Celtics and Brown’s camp will have to reach an agreement on not only the monetary value but also on additional incentives and options. While Boston may offer a full five-year, $295 million deal, Brown’s camp may push for an early termination option (ETO) or a player option in the later years of the contract. This would allow Brown a chance for another max contract while still in his prime.
The recent extension signed by Kristaps Porziņģis, which includes a pay cut in later years, could potentially impact Brown’s negotiations. The Celtics will have to consider matching offers up to the $12.4 million MLE that other teams can offer for Williams. However, teams like Charlotte and Atlanta could work out a sign-and-trade with the Celtics to acquire Williams’s salary without Boston matching the offer. The Celtics will need to assess how much they are willing to commit to their big-man rotation.
While the Celtics may have to make sacrifices in their rotation due to financial constraints, they are exploring potential trades as well. The failed trade involving Malcolm Brogdon and Marcus Smart could still be revisited, and the Clippers have expressed interest in finding a new home for Marcus Morris. Additionally, the Celtics have reportedly shown interest in Damian Lillard, although the Miami Heat are seen as frontrunners in any potential trade.
Ultimately, the Celtics will need to address their need for a ballhandler to complement Derrick White as the starting point guard. The team has agreed to a deal with Raptors backup point guard Dalano Banton, but he is expected to serve as a deep reserve rather than a core part of the offense.
As the Celtics continue to navigate the offseason, they will have more signings to fill out their roster, but any additions to the core rotation will require subtractions. While other moves and signings may be in the works, securing Jaylen Brown’s extension remains the top priority for the Celtics.