The Boston Celtics have been in the conference finals five times in the last seven years, but they are facing an offseason of difficult and franchise-altering decisions. Jaylen Brown became supermax eligible after making the All-NBA team, and Boston needs to lock him up this summer if they want to keep him long-term. The Celtics are projected to be a tax team next season, and the NBA’s new second tax apron (subscription required) will play a role in what Boston can do moving forward.
Grant Williams is a restricted free agent this summer, and he wants to get paid handsomely. The 6’6 wing played a key role in Boston reaching the NBA Finals in 2022. His role was inconsistent last season, but finances alone could keep the Celtics from bringing back Williams.
Unless Boston sends out salaries in trades, they are just $11.4 million under the second tax apron. Assuming Williams wants more money than that, the Celtics should let him walk and use the taxpayer mid-level exception to sign his replacement. It allows them to keep the rest of their roster together to push for a championship next season.
Grant Williams replacements that improve Boston Celtics title odds in 2024
5. Jae Crowder
Crowder had one of the strangest years that included a lengthy holdout, being traded to Milwaukee in February for five second-round draft picks, and being benched in the playoffs. The 6’6 forward played a key role in both the Heat and Suns reaching the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2021. Crowder is a winning player that will be looking to sign with a contender this summer.
Is this crazy? Crowder wanted more playing time and a starting role in Phoenix, so why would he be eager to come to Boston? Minutes are open at the four, especially if head coach Joe Mazzulla can find a floor spacer and versatile defender that he trusts. Crowder is that option, and he could easily play 28 to 30 minutes per game next season.
In a vacuum, Grant Williams may be a better player, but is he three times as good? If Williams gets $15 million per season in restricted free agency this summer, that is triple what Boston can offer Jae Crowder.
Jae Crowder is the role player that every contending team needs, but will he be eager to return to Boston? The 6’6 forward is certainly an option the Celtics should explore in replacing Grant Williams.