The Boston Celtics have started free agency with a bang after making two big win-now moves. Brad Stevens has addressed important needs for the Cs with the signing of forward Danilo Gallinari and the acquisition of guard Malcolm Brogdon. These moves are a direct result of owner Wyc Grousbeck’s decision to open up his pocketbook again.
The Celtics have been hesitant to spend into the luxury tax since the Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen era even though they had championship-level teams. This has led to angry Boston Celtics fans complaining about the lack of spending when compared to other contending teams. Cs fans can now quiet down as Grousbeck has once again fully committed to spending for a championship team. This shows how important this year’s finals run was for the Celtics because it showed management that they can win a championship if they are given more support.
The financial implications of today’s moves are important because they will put the Celtics over the luxury tax. Gallinari will receive $13 million over two years, and Brogdon will receive just over $22 million on an expiring deal in 2022-23.
This is important as the Celtic’s payroll will now sit at $166.2 million, which is $16 million over the tax line. The total amount that will be spent is $200 million due to a tax total of $32 million, which is coming directly out of Grousbeck’s pockets. This is significant as it will put the C’s towards the top of the list for the highest payrolls in the NBA.
This is a great day and a day that Boston Celtics fans have been waiting for as there is real money being put into the team again. Grousbeck’s decision to invest big money into the team again is a great move because windows are small in the NBA now, and the Celtics are built to win a championship. Boston is now in a prime position to contend for Banner 18, and they may not be done adding players.