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The Boston Celtics are under pressure to improve their roster after a disappointing playoff exit. With significant financial flexibility, President Brad Stevens is exploring reunion options in free agency.
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Feb 19, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors center Al Horford (20) looks for an open teammate over Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit:
The pressure is on for Brad Stevens and the Boston Celticsā front office.
Last offseason, the Celtics dismantled what was projected to be the NBAās most expensive roster ever ($540 million). They shed roughly $350 million through offseason and trade deadline moves, getting back under the luxury tax. Stevens, Bostonās president of basketball operations, now has more financial flexibility than at any point in his front-office tenure.
Following the Celticsā playoff shortcomings, StevensĀ spoke bluntly about areas needing improvement. That process of improvement begins with the decisions he makes this offseason.
As the front office explores its options, the free-agent market includes some beloved former Celtics.
Beyond nostalgia purposes, some of these familiar faces could make a real impact on Bostonās title hopes. Who should the Celtics look into bringing back?
The ability to create offense will always be one of basketballās most valuable traits. In a climate overloaded with advanced analytics, the gameās primary objective can sometimes get lost: putting the ball in the hoop.
Anfernee Simons showed he can do that in a variety of ways during his brief stint in Boston.
The Celtics shed roughly $350 million to get under the luxury tax, dismantling what was projected to be the NBA's most expensive roster.
Brad Stevens, the president of basketball operations for the Celtics, is responsible for making roster decisions and improvements.
The Celtics aim to improve their roster and address areas of need following their playoff shortcomings.
The Celtics have more financial flexibility than at any point in Brad Stevens' tenure, allowing for potential roster changes.

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The Celtics lacked trusted offensiveĀ 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.Ā 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.Ā 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 Simonsā offensive skill set raises the teamās floor, thereby widening the margin for error.
As Bostonās offense has tightened up in each of the last two playoff runs, the roster could benefit from adding as many playmakers as possible. Simonsā offensive value makes him a strong candidate for the Celticsā $15 million mid-level exception.
The Celtics are almost certain to address the frontcourt this offseason, and Robert Williams would help solve a couple of their key problems.
Bostonās 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 Stevensā main talking points in his exit interview. Williams finished 20th in total dunks this past year despite playing only 1,008 minutes ā the fewest minutes of any player in the top 52 of the category.
Bostonās 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 theyāre serious about competing for a championship next season, Williams could play a key role for this team.
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 offseasonās 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. Horfordās 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, itās clear his best title chances remain in Boston.
Although it feels unlikely, Horford would, and probably should, be welcomed with open arms if heās interested in coming back.
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 DonÄiÄ and Austin Reaves in the backcourt.
His impact showed clearly in the numbers. The Lakersā 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 Smartās 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.
Once a Celtic, always a Celtic.
Boston fans have a habit of romanticizing their former players; itās part of the green teaming DNA. But itās 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 teamās next potential finals run, the roster needs help.
With talented veteran players available in free agency who are familiar with Bostonās organization,Ā fans may see an old friend or two back in green.
The post The Celtics Have Several Reunion Options in Free Agency appeared first on The Lead.