What are the Boston Celtics’ biggest priorities in the 2023 NBA offseason? According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, they are searching for some additional big man depth, handling Grant Williams’ restricted free agency, and extending Jaylen Brown.
“As it stands, only two Boston bigs have fully guaranteed deals for next season: Al Horford and Robert Williams III,” notes Buckley, with Boston clearly needing additional, reliable bigs to buttress Williams’ shaky health, Horford’s age, and the potential to lose Grant Williams. And that makes a decision on the Tennessee alum’s future with the Cs even more critical to determine given that “this team is at its best when he’s a contributor.”
As for Brown, the import should be clear now that the All-NBA Second Team member can extend for as much as $295 million. That deal won’t necessarily ensure he will stay in Boston if he signs it, but it goes a long way toward making it more likely.
Before you ask, Larry Bird’s legendary left-handed game isn’t enough to count. https://t.co/eOxP0rSNbV
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) May 11, 2023
“The Celtics have perhaps the NBA’s deepest roster right now, and they’ve still yet to break through to win a title,” writes the B/R analyst. “What happens when some of these depth pieces must be financially sacrificed?”
That is more of a down-the-road question, but not an invalid one — and part of the reason why Brown’s extension is priority No. 1 this offseason.
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