Prepare for an extended summer time of NBA commerce rumors circling across the Boston Celtics and their very proficient however very costly roster. It appears fairly clear that change is coming in Boston. The query stays, which gamers are almost certainly to be on the transfer (and who will the crew prioritize retaining round)?
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The Celtics’ exact dedication to maintain their varied veterans is troublesome to calculate so quickly after the defending champions’ Spherical 2 exit to the Knicks in six video games and the devastating lack of Jayson Tatum to an Achilles rupture, however the early projections in circulation recommend Boston is extra apt to make Jrue Vacation obtainable by way of commerce this offseason than Derrick White. Most rival groups proceed to treat Kristaps Porziņģis as essentially the most movable Boston vet because of the Latvian huge man’s $30.7 million expiring contract.
I totally endorse the speculation behind retaining Derrick White round. That’s to not diminish the contributions of Jrue Vacation in any manner. In an ideal world I’d like to see him stick round and retire in Boston inexperienced and white. Nevertheless, he’s higher suited to contribute to a contending crew at this level and the Celtics most likely don’t match that description subsequent season. By the point the 2026-27 season rolls round, Jrue can be 36 years previous.
Porzingis was at all times extra of a luxurious and “cheat code” when he was wholesome sufficient to contribute. The rationale he was obtainable in any respect was due to his historical past of lacking time, and that continued in Boston as properly. Nonetheless, some contender is prone to need to roll the cube along with his expiring contract and excessive upside subsequent season.
Keep tuned on CelticsBlog for extra all through the offseason.
