Former Celtics Star Announces Decision on Retirement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 1:45 PM ET

Prior to winning the NBA Championship last year, the Boston Celtics went through multiple eras and numerous stars between title victories. This includes their short-lived rebuilding era following the departures of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, who were traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013.

At the time, the expectation was that the Celtics would rebuild around Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green, who were each 27 and 26 years old at the time, respectively. Ultimately, this did not work out too well for Boston, and both players were gone from the team within a couple of seasons.

Rondo last played during the 2021-22 season and has since retired. As for Green, however, he is still in the league and spent the last two seasons with the Houston Rockets.

The Celtics drafted Green with the No. 5 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, but they immediately traded him to Seattle for Ray Allen. Boston eventually re-acquired Green from the Thunder at the 2011 NBA Trade Deadline for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson.

Recently, the 18-year veteran gave an update on what the future of his playing career looks like, including a decision regarding a potential retirement.

Though he has been in the NBA for nearly two decades and is past his prime, the 38-year-old has made it clear that he will not retire this season. Additionally, Green says he wants to at least reach 20 years in the NBA, which he would do in two more years (h/t The Zach Lowe Show).

“I want to play as long as I can,” Green said. “The goal is to get to 20 years, [so] two shy. Houston has been home for me for the last couple of years, and I want to keep it that way. Hopefully, we can make something work where I can retire there, whether it be 20-21 years. My wife says 20 and that’s it. So, I think I know what that is. So, two more years it is."

New Zach Lowe Show! NY fires Thibs, @C2_Cooper on how Indy can chase an upset, then Jeff Green + @KendrickPerkins -- Thunder alums traded for each other -- reminisce about their time in OKC and what it means to see the franchise back in the Finals:

Spotify:…
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 4, 2025

Green is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer. While his best days are behind him, the Maryland native still provides a lot of value, especially off the court. He has made it clear he wants to return to Houston, but regardless, Green's status this summer will be worth monitoring.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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