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Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla during a game against the Atlanta Hawks in January 2026

The Boston Celtics continue to deal with the fallout from their crushing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Boston lost three consecutive games after taking a 3-1 series lead, with attention now firmly shifting toward the offseason.

Speculation is already building around the moves required for the Celtics to re-emerge as legitimate title contenders next season.

Boston Celtics Could Target Backcourt Upgrades in Free Agency

Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White already occupy a significant share of Boston’s long-term payroll structure.

If Nikola Vucevic re-signs in unrestricted free agency, the Celtics’ financial flexibility could become even more limited.

At the same time, there is increasing belief that the veteran center may depart after an inconsistent stint following his arrival in a midseason trade.

Hardwood Houdini’s Bobby Krivitsky believes that although this year’s free agency class lacks elite star power, there are still several names Boston should seriously consider.

“At the guard position, a potential Anfernee Simons reunion and signing Sexton are among the top pathways to bolstering Boston’s backcourt,” Krivitsky wrote. “Sexton would address the Celtics’ need to get faster and add another shot creator.”

“It would also allow Payton Pritchard to return to the starting lineup. There’s no better way to insert more quickness into the first unit.”

“His ability to attack downhill would be a welcome addition. As would his capacity to create turnovers on the other side of the ball. Given his high-revving motor, there’s reason to believe the Celtics could potentially bring a bit more out of the six-foot-three Sexton, via his on-ball pressure.”

Across 68 games this season, split between the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, Sexton averaged 15.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals.

He also shot 48.5% from the field, an impressive 40.1% from three-point range, and 85.5% from the free-throw line.

Collin Sexton Could Emerge as Intriguing Target

Sexton is set to enter unrestricted free agency after completing a four-year, $70 million contract that paid him $19.1 million during the 2025-26 season.

Krivitsky noted that while the 27-year-old could still command a sizable salary, a dip in production combined with limited cap space across the league may reduce his leverage in negotiations.

It was also noted that the Celtics could decline the team options on Dalano Banton and Max Shulga, creating roughly $18.1 million in room before reaching the luxury tax threshold.

The Bulls guard “has shot over 40 percent on catch-and-shoot threes in all but two of his eight years,” making him a potentially strong fit alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as an off-ball scoring threat.

Krivitsky also floated the possibility of a sign-and-trade with Chicago, although that route may prove difficult to execute.

“He would give Boston a scoring jolt off the bench that could be a difference-maker in how long the Celtics last next postseason,” the Celtics writer added.

Looking ahead, head coach Joe Mazzulla is expected to remain with the franchise, according to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe.

Himmelsbach also reported that Mazzulla is expected to be named NBA Coach of the Year “in the coming days,” despite Boston’s disappointing playoff exit.

The Boston Celtics head coach signed a multi-year contract extension in August 2025 and has compiled a 238-90 record since taking over in 2022.