Celtics Strengthen Frontcourt with Neemias Queta’s Multi-Year Deal
Following the recent signing of Luke Kornet to a one-year deal, the Boston Celtics have secured the services of restricted free agent center Neemias Queta on a new multi-year contract. The Athletic’s Shams Charania was the first to report the agreement. This move demonstrates the Celtics’ commitment to maintaining a strong frontcourt presence, especially during Kristaps Porzingis’ extended absence.
Over 28 games last season, Queta averaged 5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in roughly 12 minutes per game. As he turns 25 in July, Queta adds a unique blend of size, athleticism, and energy to the Celtics’ center rotation. Notably, Queta made history in 2021 as the first Portuguese player drafted into the NBA and further cemented his legacy in 2024 by becoming the first Portuguese NBA Champion.
Free agent big man Neemias Queta has agreed on a multi-year deal to stay with the Boston Celtics, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2024
Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck has remained true to his promise of keeping the roster intact through free agency. With this latest signing, the Celtics have retained 12 of the 15 players from their championship-winning squad. Additionally, the team has added first-round pick Baylor Scheierman.
This is indeed what happened. Celtics now have 12 of 15 players from title team back next year, along with 1st-round pick Baylor Scheierman.
Have heard that Oshae Brissett is seeking an opportunity with a team that can offer more playing time, but no clarity there yet. https://t.co/yPnmEhYIyu— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) June 30, 2024
Despite these signings, the future remains uncertain for other Celtics free agents. Xavier Tillman, acquired from Memphis at the trade deadline, may be challenging to retain due to financial constraints and the impending second apron. Moreover, forward Oshae Brissett is reportedly exploring opportunities for more playing time elsewhere, though no concrete decisions have been made yet.
As the Celtics prepare for the upcoming season, Queta and Kornet are expected to play significant roles in the frontcourt, particularly in the early months. Their contributions will be crucial as the team navigates the challenges of maintaining a championship-caliber roster.
Celtics Bolster Frontcourt Depth with One-Year Deal for Luke Kornet
In a strategic move to bolster their frontcourt depth, the Boston Celtics kicked off NBA free agency by signing center Luke Kornet to a one-year deal. This crucial signing, first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, came right at the start of free agency at 6 PM EST, a testament to Boston’s eagerness to secure Kornet’s return amidst Kristaps Porzingis’ anticipated absence at the beginning of the season.
The Celtics’ interest in retaining Kornet was initially noted by MassLive’s Brian Robb, who also mentioned the team’s focus on fellow big man Xavier Tillman. Over the weekend, Boston made additional moves, extending qualifying offers to Neemias Queta and Drew Peterson, though JD Davison was not tendered an offer. Queta subsequently agreed to a multi-year deal with the Celtics shortly after Kornet’s signing was made public.
Luke Kornet, an integral part of the Celtics’ rotation, enjoyed a career-best season in Boston, averaging 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 63 regular-season games. His performance notably improved during Kristaps Porzingis’ injury spells, a trend that will be critical with Porzingis out for 5-6 months following foot surgery.
In the context of the new salary cap and the latest CBA’s strict anti-tampering regulations, free agency news has been more gradual compared to previous years. Despite this, the Celtics are expected to stay active, focusing on retaining key role players as they gear up to defend their NBA title.
