The Boston Celtics are in a great place this year. Not only are they defending their 18th banner, but Brad Stevens brought back nearly an identical roster to the one that won a title less than one year ago. All of the core pieces are still in place, and it doesn’t seem like they’ll be going anywhere anytime soon.
However, the Celtics do have a roster crunch on their hands from a financial standpoint. They have one of the most expensive rosters in NBA history, and because of the CBA, it doesn’t seem likely that they’ll be able to keep their top guys together forever. But this year probably isn’t the year they shake things up.
That doesn’t mean they won’t keep everyone around, though. Some players are destined to move on.
1. Jaden Springer
This is probably the most obvious answer of the bunch. Since before the season began, it was rumored that the Celtics were trying to find a way to get off of Springer’s contract.
At just over $4 million, getting off of Springer’s contract would be the best way for the Celtics to lower their luxury tax bill. That is, if they can find a team willing to take on his contract.
Regardless, even if the Celtics don’t find a trade for Springer by the deadline this year, he probably won’t be on the team by the end of the calendar year.
2. Xavier Tillman
Heading into the regular season, it looked as though Xavier Tillman could play a real role for the Celtics. He was super impactful in the preseason, hitting threes and playing solid defense.
But so far this year, Tillman hasn’t done much. In fact, he’s seemingly hurt his value whenever he’s gotten the chance. Tillman has consistently passed up on open three-pointers.
No longer a part of the rotation, it seems like Tillman’s time in Boston could be coming to an end sooner rather than later.
3. Al Horford
Maybe Al Horford is eternal. Maybe he’ll never retire and the Celtics will have a 50-year-old center out there banging down low. But that’s not going to happen.
There’s no guarantee that Horford will retire at the end of this season, but if he doesn’t, he’ll need a contract extension. And at that point, he might as well go out on a high note.
If the Celtics don’t win another championship, perhaps he’ll return in hopes of winning a second title, but if they do, he may just decide to hang up his sneakers.