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“Today and in the future, the Celtics have improved options thanks to Xavier Tillman and Jaden Springer.”

It is probable that Tillman will have a part to play this year, but Springer is unlikely to. There is a possibility that neither of them will have a significant impact. Nevertheless, the potential for them to do so justifies the investment. However, they are not definitive solutions; rather, they provide Mazzulla with options in addressing questions.

Is it more likely that Holiday will become a free agent this offseason?

If Holiday returns next year with the other four high-earning starters, it is highly likely that the Celtics will once again be a team near the salary cap. In this situation, having a player like Springer, who earns slightly above the minimum salary, could be beneficial. However, if the Celtics are near the salary cap, they will not be able to combine salaries in trades next season. However, there may be players earning less than million who are not on minimum contracts that could potentially be acquired for Springer. Although these players are not easy to find and the best ones are not available for trade, there are some options. If this scenario does not come to fruition and Springer does not earn a spot in the rotation worth the salary cap hit, he could potentially be given away for nothing, essentially returning the team to their previous state before acquiring him. This would not cause any harm or consequence.

Banton and Stevens were not expected to contribute during the playoffs and were not considered for future plans. However, Tillman can provide support in both areas and Springer may also have a role in the team’s future, whether on the court or as a potential trade asset. The Celtics now have more options to address challenging situations, whether during a game or in building their roster, compared to just a few days ago.

Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White are the three players on the Celtics who are considered to have the most stability in the long term. Due to the large contract of Jaylen Brown and the financial challenges of having two players taking up 35% of the salary cap, he is ranked behind them. Following Brown is Jrue Holiday, who was expected to receive an extension when he becomes eligible to reduce his 2024-25 player option salary and add more years. However, with Derrick White’s rise to near All-Star status, the cost of his next contract has increased and it is uncertain if the team can afford Holiday while also retaining White in the future.

The recent trades made by the Boston Celtics before the deadline were not particularly impressive, as they acquired Xavier Tillman and Jaden Springer in return for Lamar Stevens, Dalano Banton, and three second round picks. With the addition of two All Stars in the last seven months, the team was not expecting any major surprises. They made minor adjustments to their roster, which was necessary.

If the team decides to make that decision, or if Holiday makes the decision for them by leaving as a free agent or choosing to stay for million but is considered too expensive and gets traded, the calculations for salary cap and luxury tax would change. The Celtics could quickly go from being a team close to the luxury tax threshold to being completely below it, which could potentially allow them to reset their repeater tax counter. However, this would only be possible if they have another year below the tax threshold after Tatum’s expected contract extension takes effect.

In the long run, we may see a group of new backup players emerging on the team. Pritchard, Sam Hauser (team option/RFA), Brissett (player option), Tillman (UFA), and Neemias Queta (potential 2-way conversion) are all in their mid-20s. These youthful experienced players can play a crucial role in creating a solid 15-man roster around a group of highly-priced star players. Springer, along with Jordan Walsh and possibly the 30th pick in the upcoming draft, are younger and less polished projects who fill the more challenging and expensive athletic wing positions. If one of them succeeds, it would be a great outcome.

By doing this, the front office has increased flexibility in the short, medium, and long-term.

The expectation of Holiday’s extension suggested that the Celtics will once again become a tax-paying team next year, which would require them to reduce their expenses in 2025-26 to avoid the severe repeater tax.

The main priority, as expected for a high-ranking championship contender, is to consider the potential impact of these new players for the current season. Tillman brings a unique type of center and adds a strong defensive option that was lacking after Grant Williams’ departure to Dallas (albeit briefly). Springer is a dynamic defender and brings more depth to the guard position compared to previous bench players. In the past, Oshae Brissett, Stevens, and Banton excelled at guarding wings rather than quick ball-handlers or agile shooters.

It is unlikely that Horford will remain a Celtic for the rest of his career. It is possible that the Celtics could win the championship this year and Horford could retire. However, even if he plays until the end of his contract in 2025, his role will likely decrease as he gets older. If he were to continue playing after his contract, he would most likely take on a role similar to that of Vince Carter, serving as a mentor to younger players rather than being a top performer like he is currently.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Tillman’s utility is easier to envision in replacing some of what Al Horford brings. As with Springer and Holiday, Tillman is not close to the level of player that Horford has been. There is no replacing Al Horford for the million he’s making. However, Tillman’s role as an undersized but ox-strong defensive specialist center would replace part of his role. You’re not going to get that and 40% 3PT shooting in a single non-Horford alternative at a low cost unless you strike draft or development gold.

The franchise must face the looming financial consequences. How do these actions align with that? The new Collective Bargaining Agreement, with its restrictions on the Second Apron and high repeater tax rates, makes it challenging to maintain a deep, talented, and experienced roster for an extended period. It is uncertain how this team will be reconstructed in the near future, but the recent deadline has provided the front office with more possibilities.

If the Celtics are considered a lower-tier team, they will only have access to minimum contracts and Bird Rights to sign free agents. In this situation, Tillman would be a valuable asset. Even if the team ends up with more financial flexibility and can use the Mid-Level Exception, they may not be able to afford anyone better than Tillman due to being close to the tax or apron. Tillman would bring more value to the team this season compared to Springer, and he has potential for future utility like Springer.

Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

None of these seven players, along with a draft pick, will remain on the team in a year, let alone in the future. However, the team is creating various alternatives. They have backup players at every position who are in their prime, as well as a few unknowns in the pipeline. None of them will significantly impact the team’s salary cap.

This post is written by our friend Ryan Bernardoni.

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