Josh Minott joins the Celtics with a $5 million contract

The Boston Celtics continue their summer restructuring by securing the services of Josh Minott. The 22-year-old forward, who previously played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, has signed a $5 million contract for two seasons with the Massachusetts franchise.

A bet on the future after difficult beginnings in Minnesota

After three years spent in the shadows at Minnesota, Josh Minott never managed to establish himself in Chris Finch’s rotation. The 6’7″ forward, selected 45th in the 2022 Draft after his time at Memphis under Penny Hardaway, played only 46 games last season with modest averages of 2.6 points and 1 rebound per game.

Despite limited statistics with only 6 minutes of playing time per game, Minott showed some encouraging signs with 49% field goal shooting and 33% from 3-point range. The Timberwolves had declined his team option worth $2.19 million, leaving him free to negotiate with other franchises.

A signing that complicates Boston’s financial situation

This acquisition follows that of Luka Garza, another former Timberwolves player recruited for $5.5 million over two years. Brad Stevens, the Celtics president, is betting on these young talents to compensate for the departures of several rotation players.

With this signing, the Celtics‘ payroll now reaches $208 million for 15 players, far exceeding the luxury tax threshold set at $187.8 million. More problematic, Boston goes back above the dreaded « second apron, » which significantly limits their future options.

The reigning champion franchise will need to quickly make other moves to lighten their payroll. The names of Anfernee Simons, Georges Niang and Sam Hauser are circulating as potential departure candidates, unless Stevens opts for a major trade involving a key player.

This transition period looks challenging for the Celtics, who are trying to balance sporting ambitions and financial constraints while preparing for the future with bets like Josh Minott.