To say the Boston Celtics' offseason has been underwhelming thus far would be a wild understatement. The loss of Jayson Tatum for the 2025-26 season was the opening that new ownership needed to avoid paying above the second apron.
With title contention next season already out of the question, the Celtics have no reason to continue to pay the price that already resulted in a championship run a season ago. This led to the champions Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday being traded in exchange for lesser deals. Considering how long Tatum could be out, it is hard to be angry at this obvious logic.
Still, it is hard for a prestige franchise to simply punt on a season only a year after winning it all. Without Tatum, the Celtics still have Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, and a possible return for Al Horford remains in question. In a weak Eastern Conference, this core has a chance to take on the persona of their head coach and be a surprising contender at the bottom of the playoff field. With this in mind, the team should look to make one surprise free-agent addition.
Celtics Should Steal Pacers' Enforcer
Signing James Johnson isn't about adding a scoring option or even a player you want on the floor very often. Adding Johnson is about taking another piece away from a contender and bringing an edge to a concerningly weak roster. The veteran forward isn't afraid to mix things up and will have the back of his roster no matter how his teammates might be.
Johnson isn't fake tough, but a legitimately scary presence who is a true enforcer in the best sense of the word. The veteran will force opposing teams to think twice about starting anything with teammates. The 38-year-old is noted for how incredible he was with the Pacers, taking care of the young core and looking out for a group that was just starting to realize its potential ceiling.
Add in the fact that Johnson can be signed for very little at this stage of his career, and it is an investment well worth making. The Celtics bringing in Johnson is a signing all about focusing on protecting your roster and adding an established presence ahead of what could be a trying 2025-26 season.
If the veteran wants to continue his career and is willing to leave the Pacers, it is a decision the team shouldn't hesitate to make. At the very least, Boston should reach out in the middle of what has been a busy offseason.