Boston Celtics offseason signing expected to be brought back next season

The marquee signing of the 2022 Boston Celtics offseason, Danilo Gallinari, is expected to be brought back for the 2023-24 season — this at least according to MassLive’s Brian Robb in an answer to a Celtics Mailbag reader’s question about the 34-year-old.

“I think he will be brought back for at least the start of next season,” Robb wrote. “The team gave up an opportunity to improve for the present by keeping him at the trade deadline, a move that may be second guessed if injuries hit and the Celtics lose ahead of schedule this postseason.”

Robb feels the Celtics should reward Gallinari for being a good teammate by bringing him back after his player option is almost assuredly picked up. “Now that he’s still around, it’s a better look for the organization to let him suit up for the team next year to see what he has left in the tank after his injury and reward him for being a good teammate this year (he’s been with the team on nearly every road trip),” Robb wrote.

A midseason trade of Danilo Gallinari by the Boston Celtics ‘can’t be ruled out’

A Gallinari trade is reportedly possible, Robb notes. When the MassLive reporter sees it going down is the 2024 trade deadline — though he does see Payton Pritchard as an “obvious” trade candidate.

“Ultimately though, if Gallinari doesn’t have much left in the tank, a midseason trade next year can’t be ruled out,” Robb wrote. “I don’t expect the Celtics to lose Grant Williams in restricted free agency but a Payton Pritchard trade is an obvious option that the young guard will be pushing for.”

Boston losing Williams would likely ensure Gallinari being retained. A rebuilding, but getting there, Magic could be interested in throwing a massive offer sheet Williams’ way. Hanging Banner 18 would likely ease any luxury tax concerns moving forward, though.