Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens spoke to the media following the team’s seven-game elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals, and he gave his thoughts about this season and the future status of the team.
Here are the takeaways from the June 1 press conference:
Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens: ‘We want Jaylen to be here’
Stevens wants to bring Jaylen Brown back, being adamant on bringing the core back for another year. Though Stevens couldn’t discuss the contract details, he did say he had a great conversation with Brown. Stevens is a believer in Brown, and he believes Brown plays a big part in the team.
"I'm not allowed to talk about the contract details, let alone the extension... but I can say without a doubt we want Jaylen to be here."
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 1, 2023
Brad Stevens on Jaylen Brown's contract extension pic.twitter.com/skLAyXEoAZ
Brown is eligible for the super-max contract extension. The question now becomes whether he will get the full super-max extension or will the Celtics get a discount.
Brad Stevens believes Joe Mazzulla is Boston Celtics’ best head coaching option
Is Joe Mazzulla the best head coach for the Celtics right now?
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 1, 2023
Brad Stevens responds 🗣️#Bleedgreen pic.twitter.com/U8XeWEvtkv
The President of Basketball Operations made it clear Joe Mazzulla will return as the head coach for the Boston Celtics. Stevens did add, though, that he was going to hire an assistant coach in the offseason.
If the rumors of Ben Sullivan, Aaron Miles, and Mike Moserleaving to join the Houston Rockets are true, then Stevens might be hiring more coaches for the team. Stevens did say he tried to find a replacement when Damon Stoudamire left the team in March, but it was a challenge to find one.
Brad Stevens values Grant Williams but doesn’t guarantee a Boston Celtics return
Stevens was also asked about Grant Williams’ status with the team, and while he did say he couldn’t talk about the details of the contract as well, he did say Williams is a good player and he is a fan of his. Stevens also knows Williams adds value to this winning team.
Williams can sign a one-year deal for $8.5 million and become a restricted free agent (unlikely) or, if another team is interested in him, the Celtics will be in a bidding war they may not be able to win.
Brad Stevens gives Boston Celtics injury updates
Stevens also gave us injury updates on Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Malcolm Brogdon.
Tatum is reportedly feeling better after he sprained his ankle in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Derrick White should also be fine after he sprained his knee at the end of Game 7. Malcolm Brogdon, who has been dealing with a partial tear tendon in his right elbow, might need surgery in the offseason.