The Boston Celtics kicked off the NBA offseason with a major trade for Kristaps Porzingis.
Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t close the deal as they had originally planed by including Malcolm Brogdon and had to pivot and give away Marcus Smart instead.
Then, they lost RFA Grant Williams in a sign-and-trade with the Dallas Mavericks, losing yet another key piece of their defense, their second unit, and their locker room.
That’s why ESPN insider Tim Bontemps believes the Celtics could be falling behind in comparison to the rest of the league.
Still time left in the summer, but if Boston winds up where it basically is now, not sure the Celtics improved. After Brad Stevens said Boston had a “green light” to spend, it certainly appears there was a red light when it came to passing the second apron to keep Grant Williams.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) July 6, 2023
He pointed out that they refused to go over the second luxury tax apron to keep Williams, even though Brad Stevens had claimed that they had a green light to spend in free agency.
Bontemps claims he’s not sure whether the Celtics got better this offseason or not, even despite the addition of Porzingis.
Losing Williams could end up being a huge blow for this team.
Williams was one of their most versatile defenders, a fierce competitor who would put his body on the line on every 50/50 ball and bring in a solid effort on a consistent basis.
Brogdon might not be ready for the start of the season — and his health status has been pretty much undisclosed.
And with no Williams and no Smart, did the Celtics really get better?
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