The Boston Celtics have the best record in the NBA and no team wants to face them in the playoffs. None of it matters because their season will be judged on playoff success. Boston made bold moves this summer to win a championship. Even a deep run won’t satisfy the Celtics. They have been to the conference finals five times in seven years. It is title or bust in Beantown.
The Celtics have the talent. No team has a superior top six and all but Jrue Holiday are hungry for their first championship. It will take a team effort, but head coach Joe Mazzulla will lean on his best players when the games matter most.
If they fail, there will be more changes in the offseason. Jaylen Brown’s new contract kicks in, which will put Boston over the second tax apron and restrict their roster movement. It won’t be easy, but the Celtics should take a hard look at these moves in the offseason.
5. Trade Payton Pritchard for a bench upgrade
Boston has a top-heavy cap sheet. Their top four are all making $30-plus million each year, and Derrick White may join that group this offseason when he becomes extension-eligible. Other than their starters, Al Horford makes $10 million, and Payton Pritchard begins a new four-year $30 million contract next season. If the Celtics plan on making a move, one of those six players will be dealt as part of the salary-matching.
Pritchard is the most likely as he is eighth on the team in minutes per game and likely the last member of the team’s playoff rotation. The 6’1 guard will be hunted on defense when the games matter most, and Boston may attempt to find a bench upgrade.
Pritchard only makes $6.6 million next season, so the Boston Celtics will have to aim for someone in that salary range. It won’t be easy unless the franchise dodges the second tax apron by shipping out one of its stars.