3 Former Celtics Boston Should Sign For a Reunion This Offseason
By Ryan Bunton
It didn't take long for the Boston Celtics' offseason to kick into full gear, After hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy as NBA champions on June 17, Boston had a quick turnaround to the NBA Draft on June 26. Now, the free agency period is rapidly approaching.
Teams can begin negotiating with pending free agents on June 30 at 6:00 p.m. EST (i.e. the "legal tampering period). The Celtics' pending unrestricted free agents include Sam Hauser (team option), Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, and Svi Mykhailiuk. A contract extension for Hauser is reportedly a "priority". Guard Derrick White is also in line for an extension, and superstar Jayson Tatum is widely expected to become the highest-paid player in NBA history.
NBA teams will be able to sign players to contracts on July 6 at 12:01 p.m. EST.
Needless to say, there hasn't been much breathing room between the C's 18th championship and their offseason jockeying to position themselves to chase their 19th championship. Brad Stevens will be tasked with turning a championship team into championship teams. There are whispers of a dynasty on the brink, and Stevens will have to tackle the roster from every angle and leave no stone unturned in that pursuit.
The Celtics have the best winning percentage in the NBA over the last 10 years (behind only the Golden State Warriors) and many talented players have come through Boston to enable that sustained success. With that in mind, here are three former Celtics that Brad Stevens could entertain reuniting with.
3. Jae Crowder
Crowder, a Celtic from 2014-17, has carved out a journeyman career in the NBA since his time in Boston came to an end. Crowder was included in the blockbuster package used to acquire Kyrie Irving from the Cleveland Cavaliers in Aug. 2017. Since then, he has also suited up for the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Bucks.
Crowder became a prominent piece of Brad Stevens' lineup in Boston, earning himself a five-year, $35 million contract extension back in July 2015. He averaged the third-most minutes on the 2016-17 C's squad that made the Eastern Conference Finals.
The 12-year vet turns 34 at the beginning of July. Crowder spent last season with the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 6.2 points and pulling down 3.2 rebounds per game. He was a prominent piece with the Bucks, starting 25 games and averaging 23 minutes per night.
Crowder was well-received as a player in Boston and was never able to capture a championship here. As an experienced veteran, maybe Crowder will have the opportunity to be part of the roster that chases Banner 19.