The offseason is far from over, but the Celtics don’t need to make any more big moves
Happy 4th of July everyone! As per usual, NBA free agency keeps us on our toes, forcing us to check our phones during meals and fireworks. We still have two major situations to resolve with Jaylen Brown’s rumored super-max extension and deciding what to do with restricted free agent Grant Williams. (For today’s discussion, we will focus on minimum number of signatures and end-of-rotation moves.)
The team could theoretically go in many directions, including making franchise-altering trades – perhaps even getting involved in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes. However, it seems more likely that Brown and the Celtics will announce his signing shortly. Then there’s a realistic world in which the team decides to move past the 2nd apron and sign Grant Williams somewhere at or above the MLE (or perhaps to match an offer from a Cap Space team ).
This would be a reasonable win-now approach where we “move forward” with the Jays, Porzingis and a loaded roster behind them. If that doesn’t work, the team will face restrictions on how to make further changes next summer. But it might be worth it for a chance to win it all this year.
On paper, this is still a loaded team with a more balanced squad than last year. They lose Smart’s playmaking and defense, but gain a talented big shooter who can defend at the rim. This will mean a change in playing style, especially on defense, but that may be what the team needs to unlock the best version of itself.
There are a few caveats. Even though everyone understands that it’s a business, there is a human element that could be difficult to manage. Is Malcolm Brogdon OK with almost being traded? Is Payton Pritchard OK not to be traded? Does Grant Williams feel wronged by restricted free agency negotiations? Does Porzingis fit in well with the team? How much will Marcus Smart be missed?
So my question to you, dear readers, is this: are you OK with the team if they simply pay our free agents what it takes to keep them around and thank Wyc and company for having signed big checks? Or would you rather see them take a different direction?
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