Celtics' offseason primer: Everything you need to know for the pursuit of Banner 19

In the Celtics’ front office, the long-coveted Banner 18 now proudly hangs among the other 17 banners. Beside it, a blank banner awaits its title as “Banner 19,” signaling Boston’s next ambition.

Though players, coaches, and the front office are still basking in the glory of securing Banner 18, the focus will soon shift to capturing Banner 19. For the front office, the first steps of this process began shortly after their celebration on the confetti-covered floors of TD Garden, with a six-player predraft workout the morning after the series clincher in Game 5.

Now, the offseason is in full swing.

Brad Stevens will host his end-of-season press conference on Tuesday morning, the NBA draft kicks off on Wednesday, and players have already begun making decisions on player options for next season.

Although much of the Celtics’ roster is already locked up, there will still be some key dates and decisions to monitor this offseason as Stevens looks to position the Celtics to become the first back-to-back champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2016-17 and 2017-18. Here is everything you need to know.

June 26 & 27: NBA Draft

For the first time in NBA history, the Draft will be a two-day event. The Celtics hold the 30th pick on day one and 54th on day two.

Brad Stevens operates similarly to Bill Belichick in that he is not afraid to trade back. Stevens, who assumed the role of President of Basketball Operations in 2021, has yet to make a selection in the first round.

As a second-apron team facing the new CBA restrictions and existing cap constraints, the Celtics must prioritize the acquisition and development of young talent. A good place to start with that is the draft.

With the new CBA, as a second-arpon team, Boston will be unable to use a trade exception generated by aggregating the salaries of multiple players, include cash in a trade, or take back more salary than they send out.

June 29: Last day for a team or player option to be exercised

The only player with a player option on the Celtics’ roster, Oshae Brissett, declined his $2.5 million option for the 2024-25 season, making him an unrestricted free agent this offseason. While he may return to Boston after testing the free agency market, he will likely seek a larger role and higher salary than the Celtics’ minimum offer.

This shifts Boston’s attention to two players with team options: Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta.

Hauser’s situation is particularly tricky. The Celtics could retain the 26-year-old on a bargain $2.1 million salary, which would be beneficial given their cap situation. However, this would set him up for unrestricted free agency next summer, and it will likely be difficult for the Celtics to match any offers the 3-and-D wing might receive.

The Celtics might only decline Hauser’s option if they have a long-term contract arrangement worked out. Alternatively, they could exercise his option and negotiate a new deal that would start after the 2023-24 season. Another option is to decline his team option, making him a restricted free agent, allowing Boston to match any offers he receives on the open market. In any case, Hauser will likely remain with the team for at least one more season.

As for Queta, the soon-to-be 25-year-old big man has a $2.2 million team option. Frontcourt depth remains a priority for the Celtics, especially considering they will likely manage Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford similarly to this season.

Queta has demonstrated his ability to provide solid minutes as a reliable backup big man, stepping up admirably when his number was called this season.

The decisions regarding unrestricted free agents Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman will likely influence Boston’s approach with Queta. Nevertheless, retaining Queta, who has proven himself in the NBA and offers potential for further development, could be an intriguing option for the Celtics.

June 29: Last day for a player to receive a Qualifying Offer

The deadline for the qualifying offer for two-way players also looms on June 29. Queta’s deal was converted to a standard contract in April, leaving the Celtics with an open two-way slot. JD Davison and Drew Peterson are both eligible for qualifying offers.

June 30: Free agent negotiations can begin

With seven of Boston’s top eight rotational players (Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Payton Pritchard) already under contract for the 2024-25 season, and the Celtics exceeding the second apron still with several players and potentially a draft pick to sign, this offseason is primarily focused on extending and retaining current players rather than making external additions.

The Celtics can offer only minimum contracts to free agents. However, given the wide-open championship window for Boston, there is certainly intrigue for veterans seeking a shot at a title. Don’t expect any major moves from the Celtics in terms of external acquisitions.

TBD: Jayson Tatum’s supermax extension

Tatum’s extension is the most important order of business for the Celtics this season, and it will probably be the easiest. With the negotiating window now open, it’s only a matter of time before Tatum and the Celtics agree on a five-year supermax extension worth approximately $315 million. The deal will surpass Jaylen Brown’s five-year, $304 million supermax extension signed last season, becoming the richest contract in NBA history.

The deal could become official after the free agent moratorium period lifts at 12:01 AM on July 6, ensuring that Tatum and Brown remain in Boston through at least the 2028-29 season.

TBD: Derrick White’s extension

White’s extension will likely be the one Celtics fans keep the closest eye on. The All-Defensive guard is in the final year of his deal, set to make roughly $20.1 million for the 2024-25 season. White, who turns 30 in July, is eligible for a four-year, $126 million extension.

By all accounts, it feels like there is mutual interest between White and the Celtics to come to terms on an extension.

“I love being here in Boston,” White said during the NBA Finals. “I love the fans. I love the crowd. Just being part of this city, embracing it as much as I can. I’m always thankful and grateful to be a part of this organization and play in front of this crowd.”

Staying in Boston would likely mean White takes a pay cut. However, the opportunity to earn $31.5 million annually and compete for championships as a key player in a city where he is widely beloved could persuade him to stay.

July 12-22: Summer League

Summer League begins in Las Vegas on July 12, with Jordan Walsh and any potential draft picks expected to headline the event for Boston.

July 27- August 11: Summer Olympics in Paris

Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday are confirmed to represent Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Derrick White, a strong candidate to replace the injured Kawhi Leonard, could also join them.

Tatum and Holiday were part of the 2020 U.S. Men’s Olympic Team, which achieved a 5-1 record to secure a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal. White was a finalist for the 2020 team but did not make the final roster.

Team USA will conduct its training camp in Las Vegas before beginning exhibition matches against Canada, Australia, Serbia, South Sudan, and Germany.

The men’s basketball tournament begins on July 27th, just one day after the Opening Ceremony in Paris, featuring 12 countries competing in the initial Group Phase.