Celtics 2026 Offseason Plan

Celtics President of Basketball Operations (PBO) Brad Stevens gave some interesting nuggets in his exit interview with the media, acknowledging the team’s shortcomings despite entering the year with tempered expectations.

“Our margin for error needs to get bigger, and at the same time, I don’t think we’re, like, way far away. But we’ve lived it here. Again, this is where the honest assessment part has got to come in, right? We’ve been to six Eastern Conference finals, a couple Finals in the last few years. We’ve won one. And when you get beat in the first round, you’re not there.”

“You have to consider the other teams that are at those levels, and I think the other thing that you have to consider, especially for next year, is there were a lot of teams in the NBA that were playing for draft positioning this year. That will not be the case next year. So, the league’s gonna be a lot better. The regular season could be a lot harder, and it will probably give you a better indication of what everybody really is.”

In response to questions regarding the three-point-heavy shot diet, Stevens alluded to the limitations of the roster as well as patterns within recent playoff runs.

“My general feeling watching us play in really each of the last two playoffs — the second round against New York, even against Orlando in the first round — was we had a hard time generating really good looks on that first shot. So we’ve got to figure out a way to do better in that, and I think that one of the things that we’ve got to figure out is how to have more of an impact at the rim.”

The Celtics shot just short of 53% of their playoff field goals from beyond the arc, converting on just 31.5%. Much of the discourse around the three-point shooting from Boston stems from traditional NBA fans disregarding the context and quality of shots. Still, there’s a fair argument to be made about the process by which these shots are generated.

While the Celtics do a good job of leveraging matchups and manipulating space to create opportunities, there are certainly dry spells late in games that stem from poor shooting and decision-making. Stevens stated plainly in his interview, “Every one of us would prefer a dunk over a three”, emphasing his desire to generate the best shot possible, rather than hyperfixing on the logistics of the team’s shot diet.

Stevens was honest with his assessment of the Celtics’ season, acknowledging their success while understanding that there’s room for improvement regarding the construction of the roster. While Boston likely won’t abandon the identity that won them a championship in 2024, upgrading and playing to the strengths of the current roster will be a point of emphasis over the offseason.

Trade(s)

Celtics Receive: Ty Jerome

Grizzlies Receive: Sam Hauser, First Round Pick – 2027 (Celtics), Second Round Pick – 2031 (Jazz Swap Rights)

In a cost-efficient move, the Celtics acquire a starting-caliber guard while maintaining their ability to use the full Mid-Level-Exception in free agency. Jerome offers a diverse offensive skill set, with the ability to operate as a pick-and-roll initiator or remain effective without the ball, shooting 42% from beyond the arc. Boston would offload Same Hauser’s contract, as well as their 2027 first-round selection.

Draft Selection(s)

No. #27: Tounde Yessoufou – Guard/Forward (Baylor)

Sticking with his previous patterns, Stevens selects another high-motor wing with tantalizin

g upside. Standing just short of 6’5, Yessoufou offers high-end athleticism with a plus-frame at 6’10, combining impressive physcial traits with a natural competitiveness at both ends. While his raw skillset needs refinement at the next level, Boston possesses a unique ability to develop wings, and Yessoufou won’t be required to make an immediate impact with the team’s depth at his position.

No. #40: Baba Miller – Forward (Cincinnati)

With their second selection, the Celtics add another toolsy wing in Miller. Despite profiling well with his 7’1 wingspan, Miller isn’t particularly explosive, relying more on his skillset and graceful movement skills. The 6’11 forward offers unique playmaking upside for his size, profiling similarly to Amari Williams, the 46th overall pick by Boston in 2025.

Free Agency Signing(S)

Robert Williams III: 2 years – $22 MM

Coming off his healthiest and most impactful season since his previous tenure in Boston, Williams could make perfect sense as an MLE candidate for the Celtics. Despite receiving legitimate impact from Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, the center position remains an area of uncertainty for the roster. Adding the former Celtic starter to the fold could offer legitimate depth at the position and a two-man game partner for Tatum. Williams’ ability to defend the rim at a high level, play within the offense as a short-roll decision maker, and lengthen the playoff rotation would change the dynamic of the Celtics’ roster.

Keon Ellis: 2 years – $8 MM (Team-Option)

Despite showing legitimate flashes early in his career, Ellis has struggled to find a consistent role under multiple head coaches. The ball-hawking guard could prove to be a worthy buy-low option for the Celtics, providing the energy and athleticism necessary to shift the momentum in a playoff environment. While his spot in the rotation would be far from guaranteed, his addition to the roster could provide the competitive nature Joe Mazulla seemingly values more than people realize.

End Of My Celtics’ Offseason Rant

While Boston could certainly entertain larger-scale moves in response to a first-round playoff exit, this offseason plan offers a cost-efficient method of improving the roster without mortgaging long-term assets and maintaining future flexibility. Jerome and Williams III would improve the Celtics’ first-shot offense in a variety of ways, offering better shot quality and efficiency.

While neither draft selection projects to make an impact on the 2026-2027 season, they allow Boston to maintain their pipeline of physically gifted wings. Ultimately, Boston’s path back to the finals is largely based on health, as well as the weight placed on the shoulders of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, something which the front office will look to address over the course of the offseason.