Boston Celtics Salary Cap Preview: Plotting a Path to Championship Contention

Analyzing the Celtics' Cap Space for the 2023-24 Season

Payroll Summary

As of now, the Boston Celtics have a total salary of $136,021,000 committed to their roster for the 2023-24 season. This exceeds the projected salary cap of $134 million, placing the team slightly above the luxury tax threshold.

Projected Practical Cap Space

To calculate practical cap space, guaranteed salaries and potential dead cap from non-guaranteed salaries are subtracted from the projected salary cap. The Celtics currently have approximately $10 million in projected practical cap space, which provides them with some flexibility in roster construction.

Player and Team Options

Several Celtics players have player options or team options for the 2023-24 season. These include:

• Jaylen Brown (player option)
• Marcus Smart (player option)
• Derrick White (team option)
• Payton Pritchard (team option)

The decisions these players make regarding their options will significantly impact the Celtics' salary cap situation and roster makeup.

Planning for the Future

To improve their chances of winning a championship in the 2023-24 season, the Celtics must carefully consider their salary cap strategy. They have several options, including:

• Maintain the current roster: This would require re-signing Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, but the team would be limited in making any significant upgrades.
• Trade for a star player: The Celtics could explore trades for players like Anthony Davis or Kevin Durant, but this would likely require giving up multiple players and draft picks.
• Sign free agents: The Celtics could target affordable free agents like TJ Warren or Otto Porter Jr. to fill out their roster.

The Celtics' salary cap situation is fluid and will continue to evolve as the offseason progresses. However, they have the flexibility and financial resources to position themselves as a championship contender in the 2023-24 season.