Ten Free Agents the Celtics NEED To Target This Summer

Joel Piton
May 30
8 min read

Just one year removed from hoisting the championship trophy, the Boston Celtics find themselves at a crossroads. With Jayson Tatum sidelined and uncertainty swirling around Jaylen Brown’s future, the once-dominant roster now looks vulnerable—and possibly due for a mini-reset. The injuries exposed a harsh truth in the postseason: this team, while still elite, has room to improve. If the front office is serious about staying in title contention, there are key free agents on the market who could elevate the C’s to an even higher level. Here are ten targets that Boston needs to prioritize this summer.

John Collins

2024-25 Stats - 19 PPG l 8.2 RPG l 2.0 APG l 52.7% FG

John Collins holds a $26.5 million player option for the 2025–26 season, and while he’s likely to pick it up and return to Utah on an expiring deal, that only makes him a more valuable sign-and-trade target for Boston. At just 26 years old, Collins still has untapped potential—and he showed flashes of it this past season. Despite being limited to 40 games due to injuries, he averaged 19 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting a scorching 40% from deep. Paired with Walker Kessler, he helped form one of the West’s most versatile frontcourts when healthy. For a Celtics team that could be shifting away from Jayson Tatum at the four, Collins offers exactly what’s needed: athleticism, energy, scoring, and the ability to stretch the floor. He’s a nightly double-double threat with multiple 15+ PPG seasons under his belt—and with Boston, he could thrive even more. If Utah’s willing to talk deals, Brad Stevens should be listening.

Guerschon Yabusele

2024-25 Stats - 11 PPG l 5.6 RPG l 2.1 APG l 50.1% FG

Drafted by Boston in 2016, Guerschon Yabusele didn’t make much noise in his first NBA stint, averaging just 2 points per game across two seasons. But fast forward to today, and he’s a completely different player. After turning heads in the 2024 Paris Olympics, the French forward found new life with the Philadelphia 76ers—where he became a key rotational piece. In 70 games this season (43 starts), Yabusele averaged 11 points per game on impressive efficiency, stepping up big as Philly battled injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George. Listed at 6-foot-8 and 265 pounds, he’s a versatile forward who can comfortably slide between the 3, 4, and 5 spots—something Boston could desperately use with Jayson Tatum sidelined. Yabusele’s strength makes him a reliable post defender, and his underrated playmaking adds another layer to his value. He’s not just a redemption story—he could be a real asset if the Celtics are looking to fortify their frontcourt depth this summer.

Malik Beasley

2024-25 Stats - 16 PPG l 2.6 RPG l 1.7 APG l 43% FG

The runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year, Malik Beasley quietly had a career-defining season in Detroit. He set a new Pistons franchise record with 212 made three-pointers, played in all 82 games, and averaged 16 points per contest—all while shooting well over 40% from beyond the arc. In a league that lives and dies by the three, Beasley’s value is skyrocketing. With the Celtics potentially facing a tough decision on Sam Hauser’s future, and Payton Pritchard being the only other true knockdown shooter on the roster, Beasley would be a seamless addition. His instant-offense ability off the bench would bring a scoring jolt this team could use, especially in the playoffs. The sharpshooter for hire has suited up for four teams in the last two years, proving he can adapt and thrive anywhere. Last summer, he made one thing clear: he wants to win a championship. The Celtics, built to contend, could be the perfect destination for a shooter with something to prove.

Clint Capela

2024-25 Stats - 9 PPG l 8.5 RPG l 1.1 APG l 55.9% FG

A former rebounding champ and perennial top-10 finisher in field goal percentage, Clint Capela remains one of the most efficient big men in the league. With his lob-catching ability, rim protection, and rebounding presence, Capela fills a void the Celtics have struggled to address since Robert Williams was traded to Portland in 2023. Capela isn’t a scorer, but that’s not what Boston needs. His impact comes in the form of second-chance points, defensive anchors, and physical interior presence—three things this roster lacked during stretches last season. With Al Horford clearly showing signs of age, the Celtics are in desperate need of a true center—not a hybrid forward-center, but a traditional rim-running big who lives in the paint. The Lakers are reportedly the front-runners to land Capela, but Boston should make every effort to match any offer. At 6'10" with years of playoff experience, Capela could be the steady veteran anchor the Celtics have been searching for.

Jonathan Kuminga

2024-25 Stats - 15 PPG l 4.6 RPG l 2.2 APG l 45.4% FG

At 6’7" with explosive athleticism and a growing offensive bag, Jonathan Kuminga is at a turning point in his career. Despite averaging 15 points per game this past season, his playing time with the Warriors was inconsistent—he didn’t start many games and often found himself buried in the rotation. But with the small forward spot in Boston likely wide open next season due to Jayson Tatum’s injury, Kuminga could be walking into a golden opportunity. At just 22 years old, Kuminga still views himself as a future All-Star and is reportedly looking for a team that will let him spread his wings offensively. While his physical tools are undeniable, injuries and consistency have been the biggest hurdles during his time in Golden State. And with the Warriors locking in on Steph, Draymond, and now Jimmy Butler, it’s hard to see where Kuminga fits into their long-term plans. For Boston, this would be a gamble—but one with serious upside. If Kuminga sees the Celtics as more than just a stopgap for minutes and genuinely wants to grow within a winning culture, the fit could be electric.

Kelly Oubre Jr.

2024-25 Stats - 15 PPG l 6.1 RPG l 1.8 APG l 47% FG

Kelly Oubre Jr. has carved out a reputation as a versatile scorer, averaging 15+ points per game across four different teams in the last five seasons. Primarily a starter, it’s unclear whether he’d be open to a bench role—but that’s the question he’ll have to weigh this offseason. Oubre holds an $8.4 million player option for the 2025–26 season, and declining it to test the market would be a gamble in today’s cap-conscious league. Last offseason, many mid-tier free agents settled for smaller-than-expected deals as teams prioritized flexibility. With the Sixers likely to choose between Oubre and Guerschon Yabusele, signs point to Daryl Morey leaning toward keeping Oubre—especially given his offensive ability. While his 3-point percentage wasn’t elite, he had a knack for hitting clutch shots this season and played with energy on both ends. For the Celtics, a healthy Oubre could provide much-needed scoring depth on the wing, especially with Tatum out. His athleticism, defensive potential, and microwave scoring ability make him a high-upside addition, even if he doesn’t start. If he’s willing to buy into a winning culture and accept a flexible role, Oubre could be a valuable piece of Boston’s next run.

Taurean Prince

2024-25 Stats - 8.8 PPG l 3.6 RPG l 1.9 APG l 45.7% FG

Taurean Prince quietly had one of the best shooting seasons of his career, knocking down over 40% of his threes and solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s more reliable swingmen. The only player to win two NBA Cups, Prince has proven he can contribute to wins and this season, he remained healthy and productive through the entire regular season for a contending Bucks squad. But when the playoffs hit, things changed. Milwaukee’s frontcourt struggled with Indiana’s speed and athleticism, and Prince was virtually unplayable. With the Bucks now prioritizing the development of Andre Jackson Jr. as their future at the wing, Prince’s role is expected to shrink—even though it arguably shouldn’t. For Boston, this opens a perfect opportunity. Prince is comfortable coming off the bench, as he did in L.A., and would be an excellent fit to help replace Sam Hauser’s floor-spacing if the Celtics part ways with him. A steady veteran presence who can hit big shots and provide wing depth? Sounds like exactly what Boston could use heading into next season.

Davion Mitchell

2024-25 Stats - 8 PPG l 2.63 RPG l 4.9 APG l 46.8% FG

With Jrue Holiday’s future in Boston up in the air, the Celtics may need to start thinking about who can help fill that defensive void. Enter Davion Mitchell. The former Naismith Defensive Player of the Year arrived in the NBA with a defensive pedigree that instantly translated—and his recent stints with Toronto and Miami only reinforced that reputation. In 30 games with the Heat (starting roughly half of them), Mitchell quietly impressed on both ends. He shot 50% from the field and over 40% from deep, all while locking down opposing guards with the same tenacity that earned him his college accolades. Now a restricted free agent, Mitchell is reportedly looking to stay in the Eastern Conference, and Boston would be an ideal fit for his gritty game.

At 27, Mitchell is entering his prime and projected to command a modest deal according to league insiders. For a team like Boston, there should be no holding back for a defensive-minded guard who can hit open shots and thrive in a system built around winning. If the Celtics want to stay defensively elite without breaking the bank, Mitchell should be high on their radar.

Myles Turner

2024-25 Stats - 15 PPG l 6.5 RPG l 2.0 BPG l 48.1% FG

Miles Turner is in a prime spot right now—just one win away from his first NBA Finals appearance and playing some of the best basketball of his career. He’s averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game this postseason, anchoring the paint and stretching the floor with confidence. So...why would he leave? That’s the catch—he probably won’t. Turner has spent his entire career in Indiana since being drafted in 2015, and it’s clear the Pacers value him as a core piece. Unless he suddenly decides he wants a new environment, Boston signing him outright is a long shot. Still, Turner enters free agency as one of the most valuable bigs on the market. If Kristaps Porzingis walks, Turner would be a near-seamless replacement—capable of protecting the rim and spacing the floor just as well, if not better on the defensive end. The Celtics' best bet would likely involve a sign-and-trade, but convincing Indiana to let go of a player this vital wouldn’t be easy.

Chris Paul

2024-25 Stats - 8 PPG l 3.6 RPG l 7.4 APG l 42.7% FG

After a one-year stint orchestrating highlights with Wembanyama in San Antonio, Chris Paul left it all on the floor this season—literally. At age 39, he was one of just six players in the league to start all 82 games, an insane feat that almost felt like a farewell tour in disguise. Fans got a treat watching the Point God throw lobs to a 7’4” alien, but the real magic? His consistency. Paul quietly averaged 7.0 assists per game, proving his elite playmaking and basketball IQ remain untouched by Father Time. Despite never showing much interest in the Eastern Conference, Boston should absolutely shoot their shot. As the Celtics get younger and Tatum recovers, Paul’s leadership, court vision, and ability to mesh into any system could be the perfect short-term boost. Maybe it's a long shot—but if there's one thing CP3 has shown us, it's that he still has something left in the tank.

Celtics fans shouldn’t panic. Even with Tatum facing a long recovery road, brighter days are still ahead—especially if Brad Stevens and the front office stick to what they do best: making smart, impactful moves. The pieces are there. It’s just about finding the right additions to bring it all together. What moves would you like to see the Celtics make this summer? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to stay locked into Fans Only Sportz Network for all your weekly hoops content. Until next time!