The Celtics are looking to get back on track after losing two guys in a row for the first time in more than a month this past week. How the Celtics fare in the standings for the next month could loom large for the trade deadline with Jayson Tatum’s possible return approaching in 2026. Let’s talk about some contract possibilities, a few trade proposals and more in this week’s mailbag.
**When is an extension for Queta and Walsh possible? Should the Celtics extend those two? — Paul D**
Jordan Walsh is currently eligible for an extension even though he still has two years remaining on his deal (for this and next season). The Celtics have a team option on Walsh for next year at $2.4 million but Boston could technically decline that and opt to sign him for a bigger long-term deal. Whether the team is interested in doing that given their status as a repeat tax team feels unlikely but it would eliminate Walsh from being an unrestricted free agent after next season. If Walsh sustains this level of play for another month or two, the Celtics could try to lock him in for an affordable number long term while also giving Walsh some long-term security in the process.
Queta is not eligible for an extension until next season but he’s certainly another guy that would be worthy of having those talks with him if he sustains this level of play all year. For now, the Celtics should make a push for contending next season with new additions while guys like Queta and Walsh are on the books for bargain prices.
**Hey B Robb how are the two-way contract players doing this year in Maine?**
**Carlo C**
It’s been a bit of a mixed bag for Boston two-way guys. Ron Harper Jr. (26.9 points per game) has been tearing it up but that’s to be expected given he’s been an NBA player for the past three years. Nice added depth piece on the wing for Boston, which is suddenly filled with plenty of it.
Elsewhere, Amari Williams is averaging a double-double and is second on the team in assists (5.2 per game). He’s held his own in his brief stints in Boston and could see real time in any situation where Neemias Queta goes down. Just like Summer League, the shooting numbers have been a struggle for Max Shulga (38 percent from field, 31 percent from 3-point range). He’s probably the biggest question mark right now out of that trio.
**Mazzulla seems to have given up on Garza & Boucher as 2nd unit bigs. The Celtics appear to be going with small lineup when Queta leaves the floor, even Amari Williams doesn’t seem like an option despite a nice cameo earlier. What do the +/- stats look like w/ Queta off the court? — Matt**
The numbers make this look like a good decision in the past few weeks. Boston has a minus-1 net rating with Queta off the court but that number bumps up to +4.6 when Boston opts for small ball while Queta is resting. How sustainable that success is remains to be seen, which is why Boston will continue to be on the hunt for big man additions in the weeks to come. For now though, getting more minutes for the younger wings (with Josh Minott at center) is a better plan for the present and helps for the future more than Luka Garza or Xavier Tillman. Chris Boucher hasn’t really gotten a real chance at center this year but he’s in a tough spot given his age and the fact that Boston has moved away from double bigs entirely.
**Hi B Robb,**
**Brad regularly surprises us with deals nobody saw coming. Keeping in mind the success of young wing players making Hauser less critical and the glaring need for a rotation quality center do you think trading Hauser to Houston for Capela, 2nd round picks and a filler minimum value contract to make the $$ work makes sense? Capela is only playing 11 minutes a game and while he may not be in his prime it wouldn’t make sense that at 31 he’s washed. Under contract for 3 years at $7million. Hauser is the more valuable player for sure so need some picks back. Another option, Trade Simons to the Jazz for Jusuf Nurkic? He’s on an expiring $19m contract and the trade meets CBA rules without adding anything. Celtics lower payroll by $9M and they get a good rotation center. Do you think Celtics need to include any draft capital? Thanks! — Steve**
Some intriguing targets there Steve. Did not realize that Capela was playing that little for the Rockets but it makes sense given their frontcourt has been pretty healthy. He’s simply extra depth for them at this point. He would certainly be a welcome backup here but not sure I’d be willing to give up Hauser for him given the age difference without getting more value in the deal. The same goes for Nurkic. Unless Boston is simply looking to dip under the luxury tax entirely with moving Simons and/or Hauser, it’s hard to give up anything of value for those guys. Both guys are on the back nine of their career at this point so I’d be aiming more for big men in their prime or guys who could develop into more if given more opportunity (see: Queta). Whether those guys are available at reasonable prices remains to be seen.
**Hi Brian,**
**Do you think the videos that get posted either by Tatum or the media showing him working out, shooting, cutting, dunking, etc. “annoy” the Celtics brass? It inevitably invites questions that they can’t or don’t want to answer before Christmas. Barring a setback, he’s obviously coming back this season. Thanks — Andy B**
It certainly creates more buzz than expected but I think it’s just part of the landscape at this point. Stars across all sports want to stay on their fans’ minds even when they are sidelined so releasing footage on social media by their teams helps to accomplish that. When the rehab is going well, it’s hard to see the Celtics getting bothered by some footage coming out. Tatum is still months away now from a potential return but it was easy to tell by Stevens tone in his remarks this week that a return for Tatum later this year is very much in play.