Celtics, Sixers and Knicks Face Key Roster Decisions Ahead of Offseason
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Celtics
Boston continues to surface in discussions about a possible trade for Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. Reporting from The Athletic indicates that any serious talks would force the Celtics to decide whether moving an in-prime Jaylen Brown for a 30-year-old superstar is worth the risk. Brown is coming off a career-best campaign that earned him second-team All-NBA honors.
The club would also have to balance short-term title hopes against the long-term value of younger pieces such as Hugo Gonzalez. According to the report, a potential deal for Antetokounmpo could be viewed as a “sell-high” moment for Boston but would carry significant roster implications.
76ers
Philadelphia’s path with Joel Embiid appears straightforward: keep the former MVP and work around his health. The Philadelphia Inquirer noted that Embiid’s sizable contract and recurring knee issues have cooled any realistic trade market, leaving the organization focused on maximizing his availability.
One scenario under consideration involves pairing Embiid with another frontcourt player more often. Rookie center Adem Bona was cited as a possible fit, mirroring occasional dual-big looks used by San Antonio last season. Team officials reportedly believe a revised workload plan, developed with medical staff, can help manage Embiid’s knee moving forward.
Knicks
Fresh off a championship, New York may not receive a blank check from ownership this summer. Comments by owner James Dolan about avoiding the league’s second apron have drawn league-wide attention, The Athletic reported.
If the Knicks stay below that tax threshold, upcoming free-agent decisions could be affected. Center Mitchell Robinson and guard Landry Shamet are set to hit the market, and guard Jose Alvarado holds a player option that could complicate budgeting. New York might need to shed salary, rework contracts or explore trades to preserve flexibility while steering clear of the second apron.
Source: Hoops Wire
