The Boston Celtics are entering the offseason after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Philadelphia 76ers. The team lost a 3-1 series lead. Management is now evaluating roster changes, player contracts, and future strategy.
Playoff Performance and Assessment
The Celtics finished the regular season as the No. 2 seed with 56 wins. In the first round, they lost three consecutive games to the 76ers after holding a 3-1 lead.
According to President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, the team will conduct an "honest assessment" of the season. Stevens noted that while the regular-season performance and player development exceeded expectations, the team "came up short" in the playoffs.
A reported weakness during the series was the team's frontcourt. The Celtics had difficulty defending Philadelphia center Joel Embiid.
Boston's center rotation during the series included Neemias Queta, Nikola Vučević, and Luka Garza. Garza started Game 7 after receiving limited minutes earlier in the series.
The team's offensive strategy, which emphasized three-point shooting, was also examined. Stevens stated that questions regarding the team's philosophy were "really fair" and that the team needs "to have more of an impact at the rim."
Jaylen Brown's Comments and Future
Following the season-ending loss, Jaylen Brown made comments on a livestream. He criticized Joel Embiid for flopping and alleged that referees informed him of an agenda against him. The NBA fined Brown $50,000 for his remarks on officiating.
In a subsequent livestream, Brown did not retract his comments, stating, "There's an inconsistency, and it's there." He stated that his issues were unrelated to the Celtics organization.
Brown expressed regret that Stevens had to address the topic at his season-ending media availability. "I love Boston," Brown said, "and if it was up to me I could play in Boston for the next 10 years."
Regarding Brown's future, reports indicate that trade discussions involving Brown have occurred in the past, including trade rumors involving Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, and Kevin Durant. According to sources, the 2022 Kevin Durant rumors were a source of frustration for Brown. The Celtics reportedly had a conversation with the Atlanta Hawks regarding Brown last summer, but the discussion did not progress. Multiple teams are expected to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, and those that fail could pivot to pursuing Brown.
Salary Cap and Roster Flexibility
The Celtics have financial flexibility this offseason. The team is $12 million below the luxury tax threshold, $21 million below the first apron, and $34 million below the second apron.
The team holds a $27.7 million trade exception from the Anfernee Simons deal, set to expire at next year's trade deadline. They also have four smaller trade exceptions. The Celtics have a $15 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception and a $5.4 million bi-annual exception available.
The team has six first-round draft picks available over the next seven years.
Player Contract Decisions
A key decision involves starting center Neemias Queta. Queta has a $2.7 million team option on his contract. Options include:
- Exercising the option and extending his contract for up to four years at a maximum of $92 million.
- Declining the option to sign a new contract, which would reduce salary flexibility.
The team is also expected to make decisions regarding its young wing players.