The Celtics Have Several Reunion Options in Free Agency

The Celtics lacked trusted offensive initiators last season. Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard were their three constants. They quickly turned to Jayson Tatum as a high-usage engine upon his return.

Simons provided reliable scoring throughout his time with the Celtics. Per Basketball Reference, his 23.7% usage rate ranked third on the team, behind only Brown and Tatum.

He averaged 14.3 points and 2.4 assists per game while consistently generating quality looks for himself. Despite the high usage, Simons posted a career-best 8.4% turnover rate. He also shot 42.9% on catch-and-shoot threes, making him an effective off-ball option.

Stevens said the Celtics need a greater margin for error next season. The clearest way to achieve that is by adding talent. A player with Simons’ offensive skill set raises the team’s floor, thereby widening the margin for error.

As Boston’s offense has tightened up in each of the last two playoff runs, the roster could benefit from adding as many playmakers as possible. Simons’ offensive value makes him a strong candidate for the Celtics’ $15 million mid-level exception.

Robert Williams

The Celtics are almost certain to address the frontcourt this offseason, and Robert Williams would help solve a couple of their key problems.

Boston’s biggest weakness last season was the defensive limitations of its centers. Neemias Queta showed tremendous growth and is in a position to contribute again next year. Still, even when Queta played at his best, he alone was not enough to handle Joel Embiid in the playoffs.

Williams is one of the best defensive centers the Celtics have had in recent memory. Before injuries derailed his 2022 season, he looked poised for a Defensive Player of the Year Award with Boston.

Injuries are still a concern with him, but his 2025-26 season was his best since leaving the Celtics. He averaged 1.5 blocks in only 17.1 minutes per game and ranked third in the NBA in blocks per 36 minutes.

Offensively, the Celtics need more dunks. Generating shots at the basket was one of Stevens’ main talking points in his exit interview. Williams finished 20th in total dunks this past year despite playing only 1,008 minutes — the fewest minutes of any player in the top 52 of the category.

Boston’s most efficient source of rim pressure last season came from using Queta in the pick-and-roll. Adding another above-the-rim big man, especially one who has a history of strong chemistry with Tatum, would help significantly.

Signing Williams would be a gamble on his health, which has not been a good bet through his career. However, now is no time for the Celtics to play it safe. If they’re serious about competing for a championship next season, Williams could play a key role for this team.

Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis

Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are two of the most skilled center options potentially available this summer.

A Porzingis reunion can probably be dismissed quickly. Between his durability concerns, his lingering struggles with the virus he endured during his time in Boston, the way the 2025 season ended, and his reported desire to continue playing for the Warriors, it feels like his Celtics career is finished, at least for now.

Horford presents a more interesting case.

He is one of the most respected Celtics veterans of the 21st century, barring any consequences of last offseason’s departure. Horford hinted at possible behind-the-scenes tension when discussing his exit from Boston after a Celtics-Warriors game in February.

There is also a question of role. Horford’s usage rate with the Warriors last season (16.8%) exceeded each of his previous four years in Boston. The older, thinner Golden State roster needs him more than the Celtics do.

If there are lingering hard feelings from last summer, or if Horford simply prefers his current situation, he owes the Celtics nothing. He has earned the right to finish his career however he chooses, without scrutiny.

However, Horford is still a high-IQ, floor-spacing, switchable big man. His days as a full-time starter are long behind him, but he could still play a pivotal role for the Celtics on the floor and in the locker room.

Horford said he chose the Warriors last offseason because they offered him the best chance at a championship. After seeing last season play out, it’s clear his best title chances remain in Boston.

Although it feels unlikely, Horford would, and probably should, be welcomed with open arms if he’s interested in coming back.

Marcus Smart

As hard as it is to hear, Marcus Smart has too much going on with the Lakers to walk away.

Smart revitalized his career in Los Angeles last season, playing a major defensive role alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in the backcourt.

His impact showed clearly in the numbers. The Lakers’ net and defensive rating were significantly better with Smart on the floor. They had a +8.9 net rating and -7.3 defensive rating on/off differential in Smart’s minutes, per Cleaning the Glass.

The Lakers need as many quality defenders as possible around their offense-first guards, and thus are likely to offer Smart a contract more than what the Celtics are willing to pay.

It may not work out this offseason, but Smart will always be welcomed back if the price is right.

The Value of Celtics DNA

Once a Celtic, always a Celtic.

Boston fans have a habit of romanticizing their former players; it’s part of the green teaming DNA. But it’s not just nostalgia that would drive any of these reunions. These are decorated players who are available.

The Celtics have 12-straight playoff appearances, which includes six conference championships, two finals appearances, and Banner 18. Anyone who played for Boston in that span has likely been a part of a deep playoff run.

As the front office looks towards the team’s next potential finals run, the roster needs help.

With talented veteran players available in free agency who are familiar with Boston’s organization, fans may see an old friend or two back in green.

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