The Boston Celtics brought home banner number 18 behind a masterful season. It started with Brad Stevens’ bold moves to shake up their roster and ended in domination. Boston had the best record all season and lost just three playoff games. No team was even able to push them to a Game 6. The Celtics were the best team, but the celebration cannot last long.
The NBA Draft begins on June 26 and free agency starts just four days later. They need to make moves for next season and beyond. The Celtics are projected to be over the second tax apron but are primed to remain in contention. It will be costly and forces the franchise to make difficult decisions.
The restrictions will limit what the Celtics can do and make upgrading a challenge. Boston believes they can repeat, but has to sort out the futures of these players this offseason.
5. Derrick White
Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Celtics plan to get extensions done with Jayson Tatum and White this offseason. Boston’s deal with their superstar should be effortless. The franchise is expected to offer him the biggest contract in NBA history, and Tatum will accept. Things could get more complicated with White.
The two-time second-team All-Defensive guard is set to make just $20.0 million in the final year of his contract. White wants a raise after being a key part of their title team. The Celtics have made two NBA Finals and three conference finals in White’s three years with the franchise. He has been a massive part of their success, and the Celtics want to keep him.
The only way this goes south is the franchise refusing to give him a significant raise. Expect the extension to get done, but there should be a touch of doubt until the new deal is announced.