Which Celtics are most likely, least likely to leave this offseason?
The Boston Celtics' roster ain't broke, but it still may need some fixing.The Celtics rode a talented core to Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown made the leap to stardom, while Kemba Walker, Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart and Daniel Theis gave Boston a top six that rivaled few in the league.Brad Stevens' club has yet to get over the NBA Finals hump, though, thanks in part to to untimely injuries, inconsistent play and a lack of bench depth.So, how can the Celtics take the next step? Should they run it back with mostly the same squad, or should Danny Ainge shake up the roster? We'll tackle that question by ranking every Celtics player from most likely to leave the team this offseason to least likely to go anywhere.*Note: Tacko Fall and Tremont Waters were on two-way contracts last season and aren't included in these rankings.
Solid defense (and combat muscles) can only take Ojeleye so far.
The three-year veteran averaged just 3.4 points on 40.8 percent shooting last season and has yet to make significant strides as a scorer, making it unlikely the Celtics pick up his $1.7 million team option for 2021.
Green is a human highlight reel, but his contract is non-guaranteed in 2021. The Celtics simply may not have room for the 27-year-old if they look to upgrade their bench via free agency or trade.
Wanamaker gave the Celtics solid minutes while Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart dealt with injuries and is the quintessential backup point guard.
He's also entering unrestricted free agency, so Boston will need to compare his price tag to other guards on the market to see if there's value in bringing him back.
Kanter is a wonderful podcast host and was an occasional spark plug off the bench last season, but his six postseason DNPs could be a sign he doesn't quite fit on this Celtics team.
Even if the 28-year-old big man exercises his $5.05 million player option for this season, the C's may look to deal him and move forward with Daniel Theis, Robert Williams and Grant Williams in the frontcourt.
Poirier will only cost the Celtics $2.6 million in 2021 and showed enough promise in limited minutes for Boston to keep him for frontcourt depth.
If the C's swing any trades, though, Ainge could include the French center to help match salaries.
Our Chris Forsberg recently broke down the Hayward dilemma, but here's the crux of it: Hayward likely will opt into the final year of his Celtics contract to earn $34.2 million in 2021, and Boston must decide whether there's more value in keeping him around for another title push or trading him now before he walks for no return next offseason.
Much of that decision will depend on the Celtics' confidence in Hayward's health -- and how much interest the 30-year-old garners in trade talks.
While Langford's rookie campaign was a significant disappointment, he's still a No. 14 overall pick who was hampered by a few nagging injuries. If another team sees upside in the 20-year-old, he could be a potential trade chip for the Celtics.
Then again, Danny Ainge seems to like the kid.
The Celtics could benefit from more frequent Edwards scoring explosions off the bench, and he'll only cost them $1.5 million in 2021.
There's a good chance he stays put -- if only because he doesn't have much trade value -- but Boston could release him to create room for a 2020 draft pick.
The most promising Celtics rookie in 2019-20, Williams ended the season playing meaningful minutes in crunch time of playoff games.
If Williams can continue to improve his outside shot -- he hit 58.8 percent of his 3-pointers in the postseason after connecting on just 25 percent in the regular season -- he'll be an important cog in Boston's frontcourt rotation next season.
Theis' contract is non-guaranteed for 2020-21, but his two-year, $10 million deal is looking like a steal after his strong 2019-20 campaign.
Unless the Celtics go hunting for a marquee big man, Theis should be Boston's starting center next season and give the team great value at the position.
Williams proved in Games 1 and 2 of the Toronto series he's capable of being an impact player. Now the Celtics just need to see consistency.
Williams has a team option in 2021-22, so the Time Lord needs to seize his opportunity this upcoming season (and stay on the floor) if he wants to ensure his future in Boston.
There's been some scuttlebutt about the Celtics trading Smart to Golden State for a top draft pick. We're not putting stock in that scuttlebutt.
Smart is the heart and soul of the Celtics and actually has developed into a capable scorer, averaging 12.9 points per game in the regular season and 14.5 per game in the postseason.
If the C's want to make a run at Banner 18, they'll need Smart around to make winning plays.
Postseason struggles notwithstanding, Walker has been exactly what the Celtics needed: an unselfish superstar who is content to facilitate for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown but can pick them up when they struggle.
Walker's balky knee is something to monitor as he enters his age-30 season, but this marriage isn't ending anytime soon.
Tatum is the new face of this franchise and fully deserving of a maximum contract extension.
There's a non-zero chance that issues arise in contract negotiations, but the Celtics would be foolish not to give Tatum his bag and keep the 22-year-old in Boston for the considerable future.
Brown got his extension last October and is locked in with the Celtics until 2024.
That deal is looking shrewder by the day, as the 23-year-old put up career numbers last season and should form a scary All-Star duo with Tatum for years to come.
