CELTICS FORWARD MAKES SIGNIFICANT CONTRACT DECISION AFTER NBA TITLE WIN
The duck boats are parked and the parade cleanup is over, so it’s officially time for the Boston Celtics’ offseason to begin. And forward Oshae Brissett kicked things off by reportedly declining his player option on Sunday afternoon, per Keith Smith of Spotrac.
Brissett signed with the C’s last July and was a part of their impressive playoff run that resulted in an NBA title. He had until Sunday to decide whether or not he wanted to pick up his option, but the first-year Celtic ultimately chose to forego the $2.46 million and enter unrestricted free agency.
Although Brissett played a combined 19 minutes through five games in the 2024 NBA Finals, he helped bolster Boston’s bench and stayed ready when his number was called. The Toronto native’s shining moment was in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, his former team.
In just 12 minutes of play, Brissett contributed two points, three rebounds, and three steals. When he entered the contest in the third quarter, Boston increased its lead by 11 points and essentially clinched the 126-110 win. His plus-minus rating of plus-18 tied a game-high, as Celtics star Jaylen Brown was also plus-18 on the night.
The former G-Leaguer grew into a flexible role in Beantown, providing defensive intensity, offensive rebounding, or whatever else was required of him off the bench. He averaged 2.9 rebounds and 3.7 points through 55 games during the regular season.
Brissett’s versatility allowed him to play as a big when necessary or a backup wing behind Celtics stars Brown and Jayson Tatum.
“I feel like now in the NBA you kind of have to expect stuff like that with the way that teams play, especially the way we play,” Brissett told the media when asked about playing small-ball five ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals. “We can throw anything out there. Just be prepared, be ready for anything.”
Brissett’s readiness, which was shared by the rest of Boston’s reserves, gave the Celtics some two-way depth outside of the starting lineup. He did a good job of encapsulating the willingness of the Green Team’s “Stay Ready Crew,” comprised of Boston’s deep bench members who didn’t see much action, yet were eager to do their part when given the opportunity.
What’s next for Oshae Brissett?
Free agency awaits Brissett, who’s entering his sixth official season as an NBA player.
The 26-year-old had humble beginnings, as he went undrafted in 2019 and spent some time with the G-League affiliates of the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers.
Indy let Brissett hit free agency last summer and the Celtics promptly signed him. Whether another team scoops him up this offseason remains to be seen, but Brissett had an opportunity to showcase his talents on the biggest stage in the NBA en route to his first championship.
Despite the fact that Brissett declined his player option, the C’s could still try and bring him back before the 2024-25 season. However, since Boston has spent a lot of money on its core players and will be hit hard by financial restrictions from the new CBA, paying Brissett isn’t a breeze.
If the Syracuse product is seeking a significant deal, his time in Beantown is likely over. The Celtics gave Brown the richest contract in league history last summer and could break records once more this July when Tatum becomes eligible for a supermax extension.
Plus, a potential extension for Celtics guard Derrick White might not leave much on the table for Brissett.
Regardless of where he ends up, “Brissy” quickly made a name for himself in Boston. He has a popular YouTube account under the username “BrissyTV” and posts vlogs and other behind-the-scenes content that Celtics fans might not otherwise have access to. His last video, showing the C’s celebrating their 18th championship in franchise history, amassed 42,000 views in just three days.
If he remains in green, Brissett could have another shot at a ring next season. The Celtics are still contenders and even though the real craziness of free agency hasn’t started, they have an experienced and talented roster that’s now won at the highest level.
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The post Celtics forward makes significant contract decision after NBA title win appeared first on ClutchPoints.
2024-06-24T01:35:35Z dg43tfdfdgfd