With both Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals going precisely as they wаnted, the Boston Celtics are getting closer to winning Banner 18. Even if they triumph, there will undoubtedly be changes throughout the summer as new players are expected to join and some existing players may find new homes.
In general, there aren’t many internal free agents that the Celtics will be bargaining with. The big fish would have been Jrue Holiday, but he inked a new contract worth $135 million and four years. If the C’s core proves championship-worthy, Derrick White might sign his own extension, but the parties might wait until the 2025 summer to do so. The extensions for Kristaps Porzingis and Jaylen Brown have already been signed, and Jayson Tatum will undoubtedly sign his Supermax as soon as he becomes eligible.
Though they could be nearing the end of their Celtics careers, these three are by no means locks. If the Boston Celtics win it all, these three players might be goners in the offseason.
Luke Kornet has been a Brad Stevens favourite for a long time, and this summer, other teams may finally take notice of him in free agency. Following Porzingis’ ιnjury, Kornet took over and performed admirably on defence, going for two points, seven rebounds, two assists, and a block in a decisive Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Miami Heat and exploding for four points, ten rebounds, and two blocks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Joe Mazzulla even said that Kornet was necessary for the Cs. Kornet’s worth increased further with that comment following his unexpecteԀ second unit contributions. If Kornet isn’t brought back to Boston on a hometown discount, expect a mid-level offer.
Xavier Tillman, Jr.
Kornet is probably the only big player the Celtics will be able to bring back. After Porzingis went down, Xavier Tillman Sr. struggled to find the floor in the first few games and is undersized for the five. It doesn’t appear likely that he will return unless the free agent market is weak.
Tillman has gelled well in the locker room and has a close relationship with Al Horford, who will ultimately need to be replaced in the starting lineup when he retires. Neemias Queta has a team option, therefore there will only be a limited number of roster spaces available for the 5 if that doesn’t happen this offseason. The luxury tax is becoming more and more onerous each year, so the front office will need to start working with really limited funds.
Tillman’s inadequate оffensive repertoire is ineffective for a club whose strength lies in its 1–5 variety on both sides of the court. Not at anything less than almost the minimal price, anyhow. If the Cs win the championship, Tillman’s worth will increase even further, therefore whether or not Kornet returns, Tillman will likely be priced out of Boston.
Jeff Van Gundy
Off the court, this is one of the biggest losses the Celtics might suffer this offseason. Prior to the 2023–24 season, Jeff Van Gundy was hired as a senior adviser, and he has been instrumental in turning what appeared to be an undermanned bench in the offseason into a strength for Boston.
Considering his achievements with the “stay-ready” group, Van Gundy might be considered a valuable asset for clubs that are rebuilding. It’s one thing to wonder if he would accept a job offer from the Detroit Pistons, but other teams may question if they have the best player on their bench after observing his championship impact on the Cs.
Van Gundy might not want the responsibility of head coach at this juncture in his career, therefore Stevens and company shouldn’t be willing to lose him. His absence would be felt, and other assistants from teams hoping to have a championship impact will probably be taken away.
Nevertheless, money talks, and Van Gundy has remained in the game since he was the New York Knicks’ coach in the 1990s. Anyone can accept an invitation to take on a new role if they are the right one, even if they have never succeeded as a head coach themselves.