The Boston Celtics have been one of the NBA’s most active teams this offseason. Confronted with looming financial strain, they made significant cost-cutting moves, which inevitably meant parting with notable talent. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the entire 2025–26 campaign due to an Achilles injury, the team is expected to take a step back competitively.
Even so, Boston still plans to field a competitive roster rather than tank, given that Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Anfernee Simons remain on board. In a weaker Eastern Conference, chasing a playoff berth makes sense. That’s why GM Brad Stevens may need to trim the team’s crowded but limited center rotation to create space for free agent Ben Simmons.
Following the signing of Chris Boucher, the Celtics now have 14 guaranteed contracts. Max Shulga, Miles Norris, and Reggie Luis Jr. are on two-way deals, while rookie Amari Williams is unsigned. If Boston intends to secure a low-cost depth piece, a roster spot must be freed — leaving Xavier Tillman Sr. as a possible cut. With Luka Garza, Boucher, Neemias Queta, and Williams in the mix, Tillman’s role is unclear. His $2.5 million expiring contract is easy to move, and his defensive skills could appeal to other teams despite limited offensive production.
Simmons, meanwhile, would offer the defensive versatility and switchability head coach Joe Mazzulla values, guarding both power forwards and centers. While his offensive fit is imperfect, surrounding him with shooters like Pritchard, Simons, White, and Sam Hauser could allow him to function effectively as a secondary ballhandler. On a one-year, low-cost deal during a transitional season with no title expectations, Simmons could be a smart addition for Boston.
Be the first to comment