Just because the Celtics and Jaylen Brown didn’t immediately agree to a super-max extension once he became eligible on July 1 doesn’t mean anything is amiss, writes Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe (subscriber link). Sources tell Himmselsbach that the Celtics aren’t shopping Brown and don’t plan to low-ball him once they begin negotiating.
Himmselsbach reiterates a point that other reporters have made, that Boston might push for some incentives in the deal, but there’s still an expectation that Brown will eventually receive and sign his super-max at some point. The two sides are expected to discuss the massive extension on Friday during Las Vegas Summer League, Himmselsbach adds.
Here’s more on the Celtics:
- Boston has accumulated several draft picks via trade this offseason, leading to speculation the Celtics could be looking for a major deal. However, although the team eventually plans to cash in on its draft equity for a “seismic strike,” such a move appears unlikely this offseason, sources tell Himmelsbach.
- According to Himmselsbach, the Celtics aren’t pursuing Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard and don’t intend to get involved in that situation unless they find something favorable as part of a multi-team deal. ESPN recently reported that Boston “expressed some interest” in the All-NBA guard.
- While the Celtics valued Grant Williams, they recognized that his role was in flux after acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, whose acquisition came as a surprise to the organization, sources tell Himmselsbach. Williams wanted an opportunity for consistent playing time which Boston couldn’t guarantee, and that factored into Brad Stevens‘ decision to agree to sign-and-trade Williams to Dallas.
- The Celtics are willing to exceed the second tax apron in the future and still project to be a taxpayer, but retaining Williams on the contract he received would have added $40MM to the tax bill. Boston didn’t think that made sense financially, given his uncertain role, says Himmelbach.
- Losing Marcus Smart (as part of the Porzingis trade) and Williams will leave a leadership and toughness void, according to Himmselsbach. However, the Celtics expect stars Brown and Jayson Tatum to fill that void. The team felt the two wings deferred to Smart at times in key moments, but obviously that will change.
- Tatum was close to Williams, but he understood the team’s decision to move the restricted free agent and is focused on improving the team’s roster, sources tell Himmelsbach.
- Free agent forward Alize Johnson will workout for the Celtics this week, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The five-year NBA veteran played four games for the Spurs in 2022/23.
Lakers, Celtics and Heat are cheap compared to Warriors, Clippers and Nets
You are talking something else so the fans don’t feel you are cheap, lol
Grant Williams is just an example
When you have KP, you need insurance
Kristaps Porzingis is tall but not a thin, fragile guy. Hopefully he’s due for a long stretch of play without major injuries now. Much luck KP!
I would argue the celtics, lakers and heat are “shrewd”, and that is why they have historically won more than gsw, lac and bkln/nj.
The Warriors, Clippers and Nets are the reasons that the NBA has these stupid aprons built into the cap. If it wasn’t for them, the C’s would probably still have grant. Stevens already said that he has the green light to spend what he wants, but the new aprons have actual penalties now for overspending.
Also realize the teams you mentioned have older owners vs newer owners. The older owners are billionaires because of team equity but not cash rich. Take the Buss family for example, their income is from the lakers, which in itself is not a massive revenue source that they can afford to spend deep into the luxury tax. On the opposite, Tsai, Lacob/Gruber and Balmer are billionaires many times over without team equity and can afford to shell out tens to hundreds of millions of dollars in excess of a normal team.
They have Champagnie and Banton now, and drafted Walsh, so it made sense they were losing Grant
The Celtics could have Desmond Bane if Wyc was not cheap with him who knows where we would be.
And if any of the picks Stevens traded away this year makes it big, we’ll be in the same boat. Gotta take some risks.
Go Alize! Hopefully he gets a two-way at least. I’m a fan and hoping he sticks in the league.
There’s so much young talent coming into the NBA each year now that the Celtics strategy of surrounding their two or three stars, Jayson, Jaylen & KP, with lower paid youngsters, like the 2nd round picks Stevens is acquiring, & see who develops, is smart and financially doable. I just hope Jaylen gets on board soon and stops us fans from worrying. Go Celtics!