8 Players That Could Leave The Celtics In 2024 Offseason

The Boston Celtics are major favorites to win the NBA championship in the 2023-24 playoffs, holding the best record in the NBA with 57 wins. However, even if they win it all, a very important summer is coming up because some key players will have their futures in the hands of the Celtics franchise. Here are the eight players who could leave the Celtics in the 2024 offseason regardless of this season’s result. 

Jrue Holiday – Reject Player Option

Contract Status: $39,403,894 Player Option In 2024-25

2023-24 Season Statistics: 12.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Jrue Holiday, with an impressive $39,403,894 player option for the 2024-25 season, was initially brought into the Boston Celtics as the missing puzzle piece for a championship-caliber team. A player with elite defensive prowess, exceptional playmaking abilities, and high basketball IQ, Holiday was envisioned as a replacement for the defensive stalwart, Marcus Smart. Given his age, nearing 34, there’s a looming question about his future with the Celtics.

Should the team clinch an NBA championship, there’s a possibility they might consider extending Holiday’s contract for an additional two or three years to maintain the winning formula. However, the scenario becomes intriguing if Holiday receives a more enticing offer from another franchise. In such a case, the veteran might decline his player option, exploring free agency to secure a potentially more lucrative or longer-term deal elsewhere. 

Derrick White – Via Trade

Contract Status: $19,571,429 In 2024-25

2023-24 Season Statistics: 15.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.3 BPG

Derrick White has steadily risen to be one of the NBA’s premier two-way role players. His contributions to the Celtics are undeniable, primarily because of his ability to consistently make the right plays and adeptly understand and execute his role within the team’s structure. However, if the Boston Celtics fall short of clinching an NBA title in the current season, the front office might contemplate making significant roster adjustments to bolster their chances for future success.

White, with his notable talent and a salary of $19,571,429, could become a valuable trade asset in such a scenario. By leveraging White’s contract, the Celtics could potentially acquire another high-caliber player, aiming to form a formidable Big 3 Superteam alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The 29-year-old white is coming off a 2022-23 All-Defensive Team selection so he has tremendous value across the league right now. 

Al Horford – Via Trade

Contract Status: $9,500,000 In 2024-25

2023-24 Season Statistics: 8.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Al Horford has undoubtedly been an asset for the Boston Celtics, serving the team well over his career. His versatility on the court is evident, as he excels in defending multiple positions, contributing on the boards, and being a team player on offense. Despite his contributions, age remains an inevitable factor in the NBA, and Horford, nearing 38, finds himself in the twilight of his career.

Given the Celtics’ ambitions to continually refine their roster and bolster their championship aspirations, they might consider leveraging Horford’s $9.5 million salary in the upcoming offseason. Trading Horford could serve as a strategic move to infuse additional depth and talent into the team. With his contract set to expire after the next season, Horford becomes an attractive trade piece for teams looking to add veteran leadership and experience without committing to a long-term contract. 

Oshae Brissett – Reject Player Option

Contract Status: $2,463,946 Player Option In 2024-25

2023-24 Season Statistics: 3.7 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG

Oshae Brissett was brought in by the Boston Celtics with the primary objective of enhancing the team’s depth. Standing at 6’7″ with impressive length and athleticism, Brissett has showcased glimpses of being effective in limited minutes but hasn’t solidified himself as an untouchable asset within the Celtics’ roster.

Should the Celtics fall short of their championship goals, there’s a possibility that they might pivot toward acquiring bigger names to fortify their bench. In such a scenario, rejecting Brissett’s modest $2.4 million player option could be a strategic move to free up cap space and create roster flexibility. 

Sam Hauser – Reject Team Option

Contract Status: $2,092,344 Team Option In 2024-25

2023-24 Season Statistics: 8.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG

With averages of 8.7 points per game and shooting an impressive 43.9% from beyond the arc, Sam Hauser has proven to be a versatile shooter. His ability to knock down shots off the dribble, come off screens effectively, and stretch the floor has undoubtedly contributed to opening up the Celtics’ offense. Still, the Celtics face a decision regarding Hauser’s future, given his $2,092,344 team option for the upcoming season.

While his shooting has been commendable during the regular season, the true test lies in his performance during the playoffs. Should Hauser fail to deliver in the postseason, the Celtics might opt to reject his team option in pursuit of acquiring more well-rounded and impactful players to bolster their bench. Conversely, if the 26-year-old Hauser continues to shine and proves his worth in high-stakes playoff scenarios, the Celtics could consider signing him to a long-term contract. 

Free Agents

Luke Kornet

2023-24 Season Statistics: 5.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.0 BPG

Luke Kornet enters the upcoming offseason as a free agent. Standing at an imposing 7’2″ and weighing 250 lbs, Kornet possesses the physical attributes to serve as a capable backup TO Kristaps Porzingis. This season, he has demonstrated his utility by averaging 5.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to contribute positively in limited minutes on the court.

Despite Kornet’s contributions, the Celtics might explore other options in their quest to solidify their frontcourt depth, especially if they anticipate the departure of Robert Williams III. Williams’ potential exit would create a void for a more reliable and capable big man in the rotation. Additionally, considering Al Horford’s advancing age nearing 38, there’s an increased emphasis on finding younger and more impactful players to fortify the team’s frontcourt.

Svi Mykhailiuk

2023-24 Season Statistics: 3.1 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.3 SPG, 0.0 BPG

Despite demonstrating his capability as a shooter, averaging under 9 minutes per game during the regular season suggests limited opportunities to showcase Mykhailiuk’s skills consistently. As the Celtics gear up for the playoffs, rotations tend to tighten, potentially reducing Mykhailiuk’s chances of significant playing time.

Given his limited role and nearing the age of 27, Mykhailiuk’s future with the Celtics appears uncertain. While he possesses valuable shooting ability, the team may prioritize other skill sets and potential roster additions over retaining him. The Celtics could opt to let him walk in free agency, especially if they view him as expendable and seek to create roster flexibility for potential upgrades.

Xavier Tillman Sr. 

2023-24 Season Statistics: 5.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG

Xavier Tillman Sr. was acquired by the Boston Celtics with the intention of bolstering the team’s frontcourt depth behind Kristaps Porzingis. Prior to joining the Celtics, Tillman had played 34 games with the Memphis Grizzlies but since his arrival in Boston, Tillman has only appeared in 11 games on 15.5 minutes per game. That makes it challenging to fully integrate him into the team’s rotation and provide him with substantial minutes.

If Tillman manages to deliver an impressive playoff debut and proves his worth in high-stakes situations, the Celtics might consider signing him to a longer-term contract, possibly spanning two or three years. On the other hand, if he fails to make a significant impact or struggles to integrate into the team’s playoff rotation, Tillman could walk in free agency. 

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