Boston Celtics: 4 Cs playing for their next contract

Is anyone feeling limber? The Boston Celtics are in the stretch run of the 2020-21 season after all.

*Excuses myself out the backdoor.

In all seriousness, things are steady for the Cs finally after a shaky start to the year due to COVID-19-related absences, injuries, and the integration of four new rotation players–which included the departed Jeff Teague, new starting C Tristan Thompson, and rookies Payton Pritchard and Aaron Nesmith–so the last eight games could be a showcase for those on the roster looking to stick for next season.

At the top of Boston’s books, Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, and Jaylen Brown have three or more years remaining in their deals. Marcus Smart and Tristan Thompson have a 2021-22 commitment, and the C’s recent first-round picks, Carsen Edwards and Robert Williams have guaranteed years left beyond this one.

At the bottom of the totem pole, though, there are a few roster spots up for grabs this offseason. The results of the 2021 postseason should dictate how the money will be spent. A first-round loss could mean a broad scaled remodeling of the roster. A second-round loss or later could mean Danny Ainge retains the pieces that have led to deep postseason runs year in and year out.

Given the way the Cs have been playing in the last month, that could be a possibility this summer,

Either way, these 4 Boston Celtics have a chance to be retained and will be fighting for their next contract down the stretch of the season: