Luka Garza discusses future in Boston: I love it here

Q: What did Luka Garza say about his future with the Boston Celtics?

Luka Garza expressed his desire to stay with the Boston Celtics long-term, stating he loves it there and fits the team's culture.

Q: How did the Boston Celtics perform in the playoffs this year?

The Boston Celtics lost Game 7 of their first-round series to the Philadelphia 76ers, marking the first time they blew a 3-1 lead in the playoffs.

Q: What were Luka Garza's stats during the season?

Luka Garza averaged a career-high 8.1 points per game and shot 43.3 percent from three-point range this season.

Q: What is Luka Garza's contract situation with the Celtics?

Luka Garza is under contract with the Celtics until the 2027-28 season, making just under $3 million next season.

BOSTON — Joining any NBA team requires a lot of hard work on and off the court. But joining the Boston Celtics calls for that expected commitment as well as a unique understanding of the high standards that come with wearing the green and white. First-year Celtic Luka Garza checked both of those boxes and, perhaps most importantly, understood that the Green Team fell short of the standards set before them. The Celtics lost Game 7 of their first-round series to the rival Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, marking the first time Boston had ever blown a 3-1 lead in the playoffs. And despite it being his first go-around in Beantown, Garza already realizes Saturday's loss represents a failure to abide by the winning culture the Celtics constantly promote.

Apr 19, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) gets fouled by Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (52) in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images "You've got to live to those standards that have been created by the greats that have played here, that have worn that uniform," Garza said in his exit interview at the Auerbach Center on Sunday afternoon. "And obviously...in the first round we weren't able to do that." The fact that Garza caught on so quickly to how things work in a championship-crazed city bodes well for him. Plus, his strong season — in which he averaged a career-high 8.1 points per game while shooting a career-high 43.3 percent from deep — indicates that he could be built for a long-term stay in Boston. "I love it here," Garza praised. "I feel like I fit the culture here in the locker room and what they're trying to do. It's just been such a pleasure working with this coaching staff and these guys on this team." Garza is under contract until the 2027-28 campaign and is set to make a little under $3 million next season, so it's not like he's taking up much financial room. His cheaper contract and apparent work ethic make him an enticing backup big man for the future and it's clear that the 27-year-old enjoys playing with the Celtics. "Just very thankful to be here," he said. "I hope I can be here a while. I know that winning comes with this city, and I want to win, so you want to be in places where you're going to be put in that position." Although Garza didn't have a huge impact in the postseason and saw his minutes decline, he could help the C's get through grueling, lengthy regular seasons. The former college standout provides them with depth and knows his role, which is an invaluable trait for a bench player in the NBA. "I'm excited about the future, and I'm going to continue to do everything I can to live up to the standard that is being a Boston Celtic," Garza said to conclude his exit interview. Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Blue Wire: iTunes: YouTube: *This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: *