The Boston Celtics are preparing for the 2025-26 NBA season with key players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both recovering from offseason surgeries. After a tough playoff exit against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Celtics are looking to regroup and integrate several new faces into their roster.
The team’s offseason moves and injury updates are setting the stage for what could be a pivotal year in Boston.
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum Welcome Celtics’ New Rookies
In a recent post on the Celtics’ social media, Brown and Tatum, both rehabbing at the Auerbach Center, met with the team’s newest rookies. The first image showed Tatum greeting Hugo Gonzalez, the 28th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Gonzalez, known for his playmaking and strong defense, is expected to be a solid addition to the roster.
Another photo captured Brown meeting Amari Williams, a 7-foot center from Kentucky. Williams brings size, shot-blocking, and rebounding skills, which should help the Celtics in the paint.
The next image featured Max Shulga shaking hands with Brown. Shulga, a combo guard who played at VCU after transferring from Utah State, is recognized for his shooting and playmaking ability.
The last photo in the series showed Neemias Queta, who joined Boston from the Sacramento Kings in 2023, exchanging a handshake with Gonzalez. Fans responded positively to the camaraderie displayed between the veterans and rookies, with the team captioning the post, “Rookies & the Vets.”
The arrival of these new players, alongside experienced names like Brown, Payton Pritchard, and Queta, gives Boston a fresh look. With Tatum likely sidelined for the upcoming season, the Celtics will need to find the right balance among their available options.
Celtics Add Depth in Free Agency
The Celtics have stayed active in free agency, agreeing to a two-year, $5 million deal with Josh Minott, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania. Minott, 22, spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves after being selected 45th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Last season, he averaged 2.6 points and 1.0 rebounds in 46 games before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Free agent forward Josh Minott has agreed to a two-year, $5 million deal with the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN. Celtics executives finalized the new deal with Minott’s agent, Aaron Turner of Verus. pic.twitter.com/GYALerDzKM
– Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
Boston is also set to sign Luka Garza in free agency. With Luke Kornet leaving for the San Antonio Spurs, the Celtics are seeking to add depth to their frontcourt. There are also strong rumors that Al Horford could be on the move, with both the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors reportedly interested in the veteran big man.
As the Celtics transition to a younger roster, Minott’s arrival adds competition for roster spots, especially with promising players like Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman entering training camp. However, Boston’s financial situation could make it challenging to manage all these signings in the coming months.
The Celtics’ mix of experienced veterans and new talent, combined with the uncertainty around injuries and roster moves, will make the 2025-26 season one to watch in Boston.
