Under first-year head coach Joe Mazzulla, the Boston Celtics fell to the Miami Heat in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals.
For a Celtics team that was two wins away from the NBA title the previous season, this was a disappointing culmination of a drama-filled season.
The question now is where front office head Brad Stevens and Co. go from here. Could Boston break up the star duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum this summer? Perhaps, the team looks to move on from Mazzulla after his struggles replacing Ime Udoka.
There are a lot of moving parts for the championship contenders. There are also seemingly some unknowns. Here, we provide you with updated Boston Celtics rumors throughout the 2023 NBA offseason. Bookmark this for your one-stop shop of rumors and news relating to the Celtics.
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Grant Williams headed to Dallas Mavericks?
It was reported recently that the Dallas Mavericks are very interested in 3-and-D many Grant Williams. The rumblings from The Athletic claim a sign-and-trade deal is how a move would be structured, and the Mavs selection at 10 in the NBA Draft could be in play.
Celtics looking to move into first round of NBA Draft
The Celtics only have one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, and that is in the second round of the event. However, a pair of rumors allege the Celtics have had discussions with multiple teams about moving up into the opening round and have been dangling their second-rounder and point guard Payton Pritchard in potential moves.
Boston Celtics unlikely to trade Jaylen Brown
Rumors persisted toward the end of the 2022-23 season that Brown might not be happy about his role “behind” Tatum in Boston. Some of the stuff the All-NBA performer said to the media didn’t change things. Boston’s brass attempted to quiet this down after the team’s playoff exit.
“I’m not allowed to talk about the contract details, let alone the extension… but I can say without a doubt we want Jaylen to be here,” Boston Celtics GM Brad Stevens on Jaylen Brown situation.
- Jaylen Brown stats (2022-23): 26.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 49% shooting, 34% 3-point
By virtue of earning All-NBA Team honors this past season, the 26-year-old Brown is eligible to sign a five-year, $290 million contract. Reports now indicate that Boston plans on doing just that this summer with the star wing.
Related: Updated NBA trade rumors
Boston Celtics rumors: Joe Mazzulla’s job appears to be safe
There was some thought that Mazzulla’s job was not safe after Boston fell down to Miami 3-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Once the Celtics rebounded to win the next three, only to fall in seven games, it became clear that this wasn’t going to be the case.
“He’s a terrific leader,” Stevens said. “He’ll only get better at anything that he can learn from this year, because he’s constantly trying to learn. And he’s accountable,” Stevens on Mazzulla after Boston’s playoff exit.
We have to take Stevens at his word. If the Celtics were indeed considering firing Mazzulla, it would’ve come earlier in the process with the likes of Nick Nurse and Monty Williams available at that time. Though, it’s safe to say that Mazzulla will be under a major microscope in 2023-24.
Jayson Tatum likely to sign super-max extension this summer
Tatum’s situation with the Boston Celtics is not even up for debate. He’s the franchise cornerstone and will continue to play that role moving forward.
Tatum, 25, earned First-Team All-NBA honors this past season. He averaged 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists in a career-best performance. This made Tatum eligible for a five-year, $318 million contract extension this summer.
Sure, paying out a combined $608 million to Brown and Tatum will handcuff the Celtics financially moving forward. But they have no other real option. What better duo is the team going to find moving forward?
Boston Celtics add to coaching staff
Mazzulla lost three assistants to former Celtics head coach Ime Udoka with the Houston Rockets. However, he did find a new lead assistant in that of longtime NBA coach Sam Cassell.
Cassell, 53, has served as an assistant in the NBA since 2009. That includes stints with the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers.
Other Boston Celtics rumors
- Boston will likely focus on fixing its bench during the summer. Grant Williams is slated to become a restricted free agent and took on a lesser role as the 2022-23 season progressed. The Celtics also have team options on Mike Muscala and Payton Pritchard. It stands to reason that Boston will do what it can to replace these three with veterans who can be more consistent off the bench in 2023-24.