3 Celtics who are playing for their future in Boston

Losses are piling up for the Boston Celtics post-All-Star break, and with the rest of the Eastern Conference seemingly catching up to the Cs — particularly the Bucks, 76ers, and even the Knicks — uncomfortable conversations need to be had.

If this Celtics team doesn’t come away from the 2023 postseason with Banner 18, large-scale changes will almost assuredly be made in the offseason.

It might not be trading away Jaylen Brown big, but some of the roster’s most tenured players, and potentially one of Brad Stevens’ major trade deadline acquisitions, could be dealt in order to improve Boston’s bottom line.

Here are 3 Boston Celtics who are playing for their future with the franchise

Grant Williams

This one is obvious. With Williams hitting restricted free agency in the offseason, a massive payday — which could bloat to more than $15 million per season with additional potential extra salary tax consequences — could coming his way in less than four months’ time.

Would it be worth it for the Boston Celtics to invest in a player who’s regressing under recently extended head coach Joe Mazzulla? It depends on if his February struggles (41/36/87 shooting split) were just a one-month anomaly and whether or not he can get back to his 2022 postseason form.

At the beginning of the season, the thought of Williams going elsewhere was one that only opposing team’s fanbases saw as possible. Now, it’s legitimate to wonder if the Cs will look to replace Williams’ skillset with a veteran at the taxpayer’s MLE price point.