Celtics' Summer Plans: Frontcourt Boost & Bench Wings

0:00On March 27th, the Boston Celtics are defying expectations this season, sitting second in the Eastern Conference and eyeing another deep playoff run, with Jason Tatum back at full strength. Even though they planned a gap year for 2025-26, the team is already thinking ahead to summer roster tweaks to stay competitive. They currently have 12 players locked in under contract, with team options on guys like Jordan Walsh, Amari Williams, and Max Schulga. Expect Boston to exercise some of those, convert others to two ways, and upgrade Ron Harper Jr. to a standard deal. In the draft, they'll likely use their first round pick around 27th overall, and trade the second rounder from Milwaukee for future. Flexibility. Financially, the Celtics are projected about $19 million under the luxury tax line, leaving roughly $13 million to play with after. Minimum deals and the rookie scale. This includes their non-tax payer mid-level exception, and a $27 million trade exception.

1:01Staying under helps dodge repeater penalties next year, when a few role players hit free agency. Potential targets focus on bolstering the front court, or adding bench wings, like Dayron Sharpe, if available, or veterans such as Nicolavusovic, and Brook Lopez, though defense is a concern there. Wings like Amphernie Simons, Harrison Barnes, or Colin Sexton, could fit as starters or sparks off the bench. While fans debate dipping into the tax for bigger swings, the core looks solid, with proven role players. A full healthy season from Tatum Plus, a smart draft edition, might be enough, but grabbing one more impact reserve piece could set them up perfectly. For another title chase, that's your update from Boston Celtics News today, powered by AI.