With the Celtics’ unforeseen playoff exit and 3-1 collapse to the Philadelphia 76ers it is clear that the currently constructed Celtics roster isn’t equipped to properly deal with Knicks, Spurs, and Thunder.

There are obviously several directions that the Celtics could go about this off-season. All of them will likely end up with the Celtics under the luxury to reset the repeater tax penalties and allow them to make significant moves in the future.

The first move that I have the Celtics making in the 2026 NBA off-season is a trade for 2 time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Celtics Receive:
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Pelicans Receive:
Jaylen Brown

Bucks Receive:
Trey Murphy
Jordan Poole
Jordan Walsh
27th pick (BOS)
2027 swap rights back
2029 first round pick (NOLA)

The Celtics sell high on Jaylen Brown’s value to help complement and diversify the offense through this unique opportunity to pair Jayson Tatum with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Pelicans find their franchise guy in Jaylen Brown and add him to a roster with Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones, Zion Williamson, and Derik Queen. (Jeremiah Fears as the 6th man)

In exchange for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks get a young, all-star caliber player in Trey Murphy, Jordan Poole (expiring contract that they can flip at the trade deadline), Jordan Walsh, along with the rights to their 2027 first round pick, and a future 2029 first round pick from the Pelicans.

The second and final trade that I have the Boston Celtics making is with the Detroit Pistons for big man Isaiah Stewart.

Celtics Receive:
Isaiah Stewart

Pistons Receive:
Sam Hauser
40th pick or a future second round pick

The Pistons are expected to sign center Jalen Duren to a max deal this free agency. With a bigger role expected for big man Paul Reed, this could make Isaiah Stewart more available in trade talks. Sam Hauser instantly becomes the 1st or 2nd most reliable three-point shooter for the Pistons. This trade also allows Detroit to save $5 million while upgrading in a clear area of need.

The Celtics acquire a young, tough defending big in Isaiah Stewart, who has developed a solid three-point shot to help stretch the floor next to Giannis. Stewart has two years, $30 million left on his deal. (team option for the final year)

Team Options:

I have the Celtics picking up team options for Neemias Queta ($2.4M), Jordan Walsh (In the Giannis trade), Ron Harper Jr ($2.6M), Amari Williams ($2.1M), and Dalano Banton ($2.8M).

I have them declining Max Shulga’s team option of $2.1 million.

Free Agency:

For free agency, I have the Celtics signing Cavs forward Dean Wade to a three year, $30 million deal ($9M, $10M, and $11M annually) and guard Lonzo Ball to a one year, $2.5 million vet minimum deal.

Dean Wade is a player that the Celtics should seriously consider adding this upcoming free agency. He shot 41% on corner three’s for the 2025-26 NBA season and is a highly versatile and disciplined defender. Due to his versatility and size, (6’9, 228 lbs) the Celtics could easily plug and play him in multiple effective lineups next season.

Lonzo Ball does have a concerning injury history and is coming off a down three-point shooting season (27%), he shot 38% from three on seven attempts a game over the three previous seasons. Lonzo has always been a good playmaker and perimeter defender. At the veteran minimum, he is a low-risk option the Celtics could really use, especially if Payton Pritchard steps into the starting point guard role next season.

Extensions:

The final 2 moves that I have the Celtics making to conclude their 2026 off-season is signing guard Payton Pritchard to a three year, $67 million extension and center Neemias Queta to a three year, $36 million extension.

These extensions should be no-brainers. With Pritchard potentially starting at point guard next season, it is in Boston's best interest to lock him down as soon as possible. Regardless of whether the Celtics acquire another center this offseason, Queta has proven he can be a high-quality backup center at the very least.

Salary Cap Situation:

By making all of these moves the Celtics form roster that is better equipped offensively and defensively to deal with the best teams in the NBA. The Celtics also finish with a 2026-27 team payroll of $200.1 million, allowing them to stay under the $201 million 2026-27 luxury tax threshold for the 2026-27 NBA league year.