Just in: Celtics Face Rebuilding Challenge as Their veteran power forwarder Opts Out of Contract.
The Boston Celtics are facing a significant rebuilding challenge after forward Oshae Brissett declined his $2.5 million player option for the 2024-2025 season. Brissett’s decision to enter the free agent market comes as no surprise, given his impressive performance off the bench last season. However, it poses a significant challenge for the Celtics’ front office, which must now find a way to replace his energy and physicality on the court.
Brissett’s impact on the Celtics’ championship-winning season cannot be overstated. He averaged 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds on 44.4 percent shooting from the field over 55 regular-season games, providing a much-needed boost off the bench. His hustle plays and defensive intensity were invaluable to the team’s success, and his presence will be sorely missed.
The Celtics have a good chance of retaining Brissett, especially since they have the 30th and 54th picks in the 2024 NBA Draft and can offer him a veteran-minimum deal. However, they will face stiff competition from other teams, and it remains to be seen whether they can match the offers he receives on the open market.
If Brissett does leave, the Celtics will have to rely on draft picks, trades, and veteran-minimum deals to round out the back end of the roster. This will be a challenging task, given the team’s limited financial flexibility under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. However, the Celtics have a strong core of players under long-term contracts, and they will be looking to build on last season’s success.
One player who could benefit from Brissett’s departure is Jordan Walsh, a sophomore who could see an increased role in the rotation. Walsh is still a raw talent, but he showed promise in his rookie season and could be a key contributor off the bench next year.
The Celtics will also have to make decisions on other free agents, including Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman Sr., and Neemias Queta. They will have to decide whether to offer qualifying offers to restricted free agents Drew Peterson and JD Davison, and they will also have to consider trades and other roster moves to strengthen the team.
Overall, the Celtics face a significant rebuilding challenge in the wake of Brissett’s decision to opt out of his contract. However, with a strong core of players and a talented young bench, they have the pieces in place to build another championship-winning team. It remains to be seen whether they can retool the roster and stay competitive in the NBA, but one thing is certain – the Celtics will be a team to watch next season.
