With the NBA Draft concluded, Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens is now turning his attention to the upcoming free agency, set to begin on June 30.
Despite limited cap space to acquire new talent, Stevens is prioritizing contract extensions for key players Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Sam Hauser.
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Stevens expressed a strong desire to retain these players long-term, emphasizing their importance to the team.
“We’d love to keep these extension-eligible guys here as long as possible,” he said.
Current financial constraints mean the Celtics can only afford minimum-level contracts for new additions.
Jayson Tatum, under contract through the 2025-26 season, is anticipated to sign a substantial extension similar to Jaylen Brown’s recent supermax deal. His current contract includes a cap hit exceeding $34.8 million for the 2024-25 season.
Derrick White, who has excelled in both the regular season and playoffs, is entering the final year of his four-year, $70 million deal. As an unrestricted free agent after the 2024-25 season, extending his contract is a priority, especially with Jrue Holiday also locked in through 2027-28.
Sam Hauser, an essential bench player, is on a club option for next season. He played a significant role in both the regular season and postseason, demonstrating his value with impressive shooting percentages.
As the Celtics prepare for the 2024-25 season as defending NBA champions, maintaining their core, including Kristaps Porzingis (recovering from surgery), remains crucial for their success.
