After clinching their 18th championship, the Celtics have retained 13 out of the 15 players who were on standard, full-time roster spots last season, for the 2024-25 season.
The two free agents are Svi Mykhailiuk, who may consider playing overseas—a possibility he pondered last summer before joining Boston—and Oshae Brissett.
Despite declining his $2.5 million player option a week before free agency, according to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, the six-foot-seven Brissett hasn’t ruled out returning for a second year with the Celtics.
The defending NBA champions would likely welcome Brissett back, but if he signs elsewhere, their draft picks and players on two-way contracts might be their only external additions.
Teams must have at least 14 out of 15 standard roster spots filled. Boston can sign their first-round pick, Baylor Scheierman, which would bring their roster to 14 players for the upcoming season. Second-round pick Anton Watson is expected to join on a two-way deal.
Projected to be over $7 million above the second apron and $17.8 million above the first, with the potential of having the most expensive roster in NBA history in the 2025-26 season—costing around $450 million in payroll and tax payments—the Celtics might find it more valuable to leave the 15th roster spot vacant this year. This strategy could save money and be revisited during the season.
Cautious about maintaining team chemistry, the Celtics might prefer keeping the final roster spot open as a safeguard against any negative influences.
During the regular season, Jaylen Brown highlighted Boston’s strong team atmosphere and work environment, saying, “We all get along. It’s a good atmosphere. We got guys that come to work every day that are trying to improve and get better and all of that stuff you don’t take for granted.”
The reigning NBA champions might opt for a 15-player roster only if Brissett returns. Otherwise, they are restricted to veteran minimum signings in free agency due to salary cap constraints.
The Celtics cannot acquire players via sign-and-trade, take on more salary in a trade, or combine salaries to absorb a contract. They also cannot send cash in deals.
Regarding two-way spots, the Celtics extended a qualifying offer to Drew Peterson, making him a restricted free agent, but did not for JD Davison. President of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, mentioned the desire to bring Davison back in some capacity despite his free-agent status.
Boston aims to keep their championship team together, possibly by re-signing Peterson and Davison.
Although they haven’t signed Scheierman and Watson yet, here’s a depth chart projection including them. Players are listed in a single role, though many can play multiple positions.
**Ball Handlers:** Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Payton Pritchard
**Wings:** Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh
