Ranking the Celtics contracts from bargain to nightmare
By Tyler Watts
Underpaid
Brad Stevens and the Celtics front office have been proactive in getting players to take a bit less to keep their team together. This could be massive moving forward and gives them several plus contracts on their books.
13. Kristaps Porzingis
The Unicorn has helped the Celtics reach a new level. He gives them a post attack and more floor spacing. Dealing with a 7’2 big man capable of popping out for threes or punishing smaller defenders inside is nearly impossible. There are still injury concerns, but KP is making Celtics fans forget.
He is making $36 million this season before his two-year $60 million extension kicks in the summer. Porzingis is in his prime during that stretch and would get more if he hit the open market.
12. Jrue Holiday
Holiday is making $36.8 million this season and just signed a four-year extension worth $135 million. Boston got one of the best defenders in the league to take less to stay with the Celtics. Holiday has sacrificed for the good of the team this season but remains an impactful two-way option worth more than $33.8 million per year.
11. Al Horford
Horford has accepted his sixth-man role and continues to thrive. The 37-year-old needs to play a bit less, but he continues to protect the rim and space the floor. He is a steal for $10 million this season and only makes $9.5 million in the 2024-25 campaign. Horford will play a crucial role in the playoffs and remains a key piece for Boston.
10. Sam Hauser
The 6’7 forward is making under $2 million this season while shooting 42.5 percent from 3-point range. The Celtics will exercise their team option for just over $2 million next season and would like to lock the sharpshooter up long-term. There are holes in his game, but they need Hauser’s skill set on the bench.
From this point forward, the contracts get a bit fuzzy for the franchise and have the potential to turn problematic.