Celtics roster reset: The state of the C’s heading into the offseason

The Boston Celtics’ 2019-20 has come to an end following their Game 6 loss to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals.

Now, it’s time to focus on the future.

While the C’s core mostly will be intact next season, there are a few question marks. The 2020 NBA Draft also introduces some interesting scenarios as Boston owns three first-round picks.

Let’s take a look at the state of the roster as we prepare for the offseason:

Guaranteed contracts for 2020-21

Kemba Walker – $34.4 million

Walker had his fair share of ups and downs during his first season in Boston, but there’s no doubt the 30-year-old was a breath of fresh air. He averaged 19.9 points and 4.9 assists during the 2019-20 campaign and he’ll look to improve on those numbers with the C’s next year.

Gordon Hayward – $34.2 million (player option)

Hayward looked more like his All-Star-caliber self when he was able to stay on the court, but injuries continue to pop up for the 30-year-old. It’ll be interesting to see what Danny Ainge’s plans are with Hayward this offseason, but it’s fair to assume he’ll exercise his player option.

Jaylen Brown – $23 million

If you ask anyone who followed the Celtics closely during the 2019-20 season, they’ll likely tell you Brown deserved “Most Improved Player” recognition. Brown averaged 21.1 points and 7.4 rebounds, and he should be a big part of this team’s future.

Marcus Smart – $13.4 million

Smart played his usual role as a scrappy Defensive Player of the Year-worthy player and a leader in the locker room. Whether Ainge plans on keeping Smart for another run remains to be seen, but his presence unquestionably would be missed.

Jayson Tatum – $9.9 million

Tatum’s in line for a huge pay raise this offseason. During a 2019-20 season in which he earned his first All-Star selection, Tatum averaged 25.5 points and 10.2 rebounds while seemingly making the leap to superstar status.

Enes Kanter – $5 million (player option)

Kanter gave the C’s a much-needed offensive boost off the bench at several points this year, and his presence may prove useful next season as well. The big man has a player option, so his future in Boston is in question.

Romeo Langford – $3.6 million

It was a rough rookie season for Langford as he struggled with injuries throughout the campaign. When he was able to stay on the court, Langford showed flashes of potential defensively. He’ll look to make more of an impact in his second season.

Vincent Poirier – $2.6 million

Poirier averaged only 5.9 minutes in 22 games with the C’s and didn’t make much of an impact.

Grant Williams – $2.5 million

Williams made steady improvements both offensively and defensively over the course of his rookie season. He’ll look to make an even greater impact with a potentially increased role next year.

Robert Williams – $2 million

The Time Lord made the most of his time on the court during his sophomore season. He averaged 13.4 minutes in his 29 games played with 5.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. Expect an increased role for Williams next year as long as he can stay healthy.

Semi Ojeleye – $1.8 million (team option)

Ojeleye showed improvement from last season and should have a shot at competing for a roster spot in 2020-21. His ability to defend stars like Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo is valuable, so we’ll just have to wait and see whether the Celtics feel the same way.

Carsen Edwards – $1.5 million

Edwards spent a lot of his rookie season with the Maine Red Claws. When with the Celtics, he wasn’t as efficient from beyond the arc as was hoped. That’s something he’ll need to improve next year.

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Expect Jayson Tatum to earn a big-money contract extension this offseason after his All-Star campaign. The 22-year-old is now eligible for a “Super Max” extension after his All-NBA nod. That means he can sign a five-year extension that could pay him up to 30 percent of the salary cap. 

The first year of Tatum’s “Super Max” deal would be worth $37.5 million. The total five-year package would be worth $217.5 million. For comparison sake, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry and Houston Rockets star James Harden both are currently playing on Super Max deals.

Our A. Sherrod Blakely explains Tatum’s contract situation more in-depth here.

The status of Hayward and Kanter status with the C’s is up in the air as both have player options, and Semi Ojeleye has a team option for 2020.

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Non-guaranteed contracts

Daniel Theis – $5 million

During a season in which many were skeptical of the C’s big man situation, Theis answered the bell every time he was called upon. The 6-foot-8 German averaged 9.2 points and 6.6 rebounds during the regular season.

Javonte Green – $1.5 million

Green averaged 3.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in a reserve role while providing some thunderous dunks for the highlight-reel during his limited time on the court. He could be a boost off the bench again in 2021.

Unrestricted free agents

None (Gordon Hayward, Enes Kanter, and Semi Ojeleye could become unrestricted free agents if their options are declined).

Restricted free agents

Tacko Fall, Tremont Waters

Tacko and Tremont were the ultimate tag team in Maine, but can they carve out a role at the NBA level? That’s a question for another day, but one thing is for sure: we hope to see Tacko-Mania at a packed TD Garden at some point next season.

Brad Wanamaker

Wanamaker was a key reserve for the Celtics this season, averaging 6.9 points off the bench. He played solid minutes for the C’s during the playoffs as well, leading the second unit in playing time (17 minutes per game).

NBA Draft

The Celtics own the 14th, 26th, 30th, and 47th overall picks in the 2020 NBA Draft. The date for the draft currently is set for Nov. 18.

For a full list of potential C’s draft targets, go here.