The Boston Celtics are the 2024 NBA champions and regardless of their postseason run not being as challenging as others, they have been the best team in the league all season. Finishing with a 64-18 record, ranking 1st in Net Rating (+11.6), and only losing three games in the playoffs, the Celtics have the superstar power to compete again for the title next year.
Meanwhile, some veteran players would relish the chance to join a powerhouse NBA team for a chance to win their first championship. We have named eight players who could join the Celtics to put themselves in a position to win it all next year.
1. Chris Paul
Age: 39
2023-24 Season Statistics: 9.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Chris Paul needs an NBA championship for the sake of his legacy. As of right now, it has to be an impossible chance for Paul to be regarded as a top-five point guard of all time without an NBA title because Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, Stephen Curry, John Stockton, Isiah Thomas, and Jason Kidd have had more postseason success as leaders of their teams.
Even Steve Nash and Bob Cousy have had Hall of Fame careers, and Paul has to fight hard to be mentioned in the same conversation as them. However, with an NBA title, that list doesn’t seem as daunting. Paul will be 40 years old at some point next season, and it seems more than likely the Golden State Warriors will waive him.
The Celtics have done well with Payton Pritchard as their backup point guard, but Paul could easily slot into the backcourt off the bench and bring high-level scoring and playmaking if he is willing to accept the veteran’s minimum deal for one last shot for a ring.
2. Russell Westbrook
Age: 35
2023-24 Season Statistics: 11.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Similar to Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook needs a championship ring to solidify his place as a top-10 point guard of all time and perhaps be in the conversation for the top five. The former triple-double maestro and future first-ballot Hall of Famer has an NBA Finals appearance in 2011-12 on his resume, but getting the job done has eluded him so far.
If Westbrook is willing to come off the bench as he did with the Los Angeles Clippers this year, he would be a fantastic addition to a stacked Celtics roster. Westbrook and Pritchard could both come off the bench as combo guards, sharing the ball and allowing key stars such as Jrue Holiday and Derrick White to rest.
Westbrook could decide to stay in Los Angeles with the Clippers, but if the Celtics come knocking, there are far worse situations to be in as a former MVP who will be 36 years old next season.
3. DeMar DeRozan
Age: 34
2023-24 Season Statistics: 24.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG
DeMar DeRozan, at age 34, remains an elite scorer in the NBA, boasting impressive statistics from the 2023-24 season with 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. As an All-Star player who can consistently put up 20+ points per game, DeRozan’s scoring prowess and playmaking abilities make him a valuable asset for any team. For the Celtics, adding DeRozan would mean injecting a reliable offensive weapon who can create his own shot and facilitate for teammates.
Given his age and the current state of the Chicago Bulls, DeRozan might be open to signing a mid-level exception deal with a championship contender like the Celtics to win a ring and solidify his legacy finally. In Boston, DeRozan would likely start, which would shift Derrick White to a sixth-man role, making Boston even stronger. DeRozan’s potential move to Boston not only enhances the team’s chances of winning their second straight championship but also provides him with an opportunity to cement his status as a Hall of Famer.
4. Tobias Harris
Age: 31
2023-24 Season Statistics: 17.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Tobias Harris has shown he can still perform at a high level, as evidenced by his 2023-24 season stats of 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game for the Philadelphia 76ers. Known for his scoring versatility and efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc with a career 36.8% three-point shooting rate, Harris could be a significant addition to the Celtics.
His ability to score both inside and outside, combined with his rebounding and defensive capabilities, makes him an ideal candidate for a role off the bench. If Harris is willing to accept a mid-level deal to join a championship contender, he would add considerable depth to the Celtics’ roster as the new sixth man, enhancing their scoring options and providing a reliable presence on both ends of the floor. At 31 years old, Harris can afford to let go of one season of pay to accept a mid-level deal.
5. Jonas Valanciunas
Age: 32
2023-24 Season Statistics: 12.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG
At 32 years old, Jonas Valanciunas remains one of the more consistent and reliable big men in the league, averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds during the 2023-24 season. For the Celtics, who have seen Kristaps Porzingis struggle with injuries (only 57 games played this year) and Al Horford nearing the end of his career at 38 years old, Valanciunas offers a sturdy solution at the center position.
His ability to space the floor with mid-range shooting and occasional three-pointers (career 34.8%) fits well with the Celtics’ offensive schemes, providing them with much-needed depth in the frontcourt. Valanciunas could step in as a starting center, ensuring the Celtics maintain a strong inside game while also benefiting from his defensive prowess. His willingness to accept a mid-level deal for the chance to win a championship makes him an attractive option for the Celtics, who are looking to find more depth behind Kristaps Porzingis.
6. Andre Drummond
Age: 30
2023-24 Season Statistics: 8.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Andre Drummond, now 30, continues to be a dominant force on the boards, averaging 8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds in only 17.1 minutes per game this season. Despite his limited offensive game, Drummond’s ability to control the glass and protect the rim makes him a valuable asset for any team. The Celtics could utilize Drummond as a backup center, providing crucial minutes behind Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.
His rebounding prowess would ensure that the Celtics maintain a strong presence in the paint, preventing second-chance opportunities for opponents and generating additional possessions for Boston’s offense. By accepting a veteran’s minimum deal, Drummond’s contributions would be instrumental in keeping the Celtics competitive throughout the grueling 82-game schedule. Drummond is also a better player than Luke Kornet who is the current third-string center.
7. Gordon Hayward
Age: 34
2023-24 Season Statistics: 9.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Returning to the Celtics, where a severe injury-marred Gordon Hayward’s initial stint, could provide a storybook ending to his career. Hayward’s basketball IQ, playmaking abilities, and shooting make him an ideal candidate to strengthen the Celtics’ bench. As a smart, experienced player, he can help orchestrate the offense and provide stability when the starters rest, contributing to a well-rounded second unit.
Hayward’s familiarity with the Celtics organization and fanbase would facilitate a smooth transition back to Boston. Accepting a bench role, he could serve as a valuable mentor to younger players while providing reliable minutes in the postseason. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting (41.1% 3-PT FG this season) and make intelligent plays would be an asset in keeping the starters fresh throughout the season.
8. Patrick Beverley
Age: 35
2023-24 Season Statistics: 6.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Patrick Beverley, aged 35, remains one of the league’s most tenacious defenders. For the Celtics, Beverley could provide a much-needed defensive edge off the bench. His experience and three-time All-Defensive Team accolades highlight his ability to guard multiple positions and bring a competitive spirit to the team.
While his abrasive style may not be for everyone, Beverley’s intensity and defensive prowess would make him a valuable addition to Boston’s rotation. Teaming up with Payton Pritchard, Beverley would form a formidable defensive backcourt for the Celtics’ second unit. Accepting a minimum deal, Beverley would bring significant value as a veteran presence, adding a vital piece to a team striving to capture the title in 2025.
