Boston Celtics: 2018-19 NBA season preview

2018-19 roster

Key additions: Robert Williams (draft), Brad Wannamaker (free agency)

Key subtractions: Greg Monroe (free agency), Shane Larkin (free agency), Abdel Nader (trade)

Danny Ainge and the Celtics front office had a few major decisions to make over the offseason. With assets galore and big-name free agents on the market, they loomed as major players in the LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard sweepstakes.

Despite what must have been an obvious temptation to land a big fish, they stuck with their already formed nucleus and instead focused on retaining their own free agents. Aside from the obvious major additions of the returning Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving from injury, some key roster moves were nonetheless made over the summer in Boston.

Aron Baynes and Marcus Smart have become vital members of the Celtics’ rotation, and both declared their desire to remain in Boston. The only real question about whether they would be retained was the franchise’s willingness to dip into the luxury tax — which the front office subsequently decided to do.

Baynes (two years, $10.6 million) and Smart (four years, $52 million) were both re-signed, ensuring the Celtics are bringing back every key piece from a season ago.

In the draft, the Celtics had just one selection, taking Texas A&M big man Robert Williams with the 27th overall selection. Williams was seen as a bargain basement pick on the night, only slipping due to concerns over his professionalism and focus for the game. Unfortunately, it’s been a rough start, but the talent is unquestionably there, and the pick remains solid.

The 29-year-old Brad Wanamaker was another sneaky addition for Boston, an athletic wing making his way to the Celtics via Europe to provide some decent roster depth.

From last season, Greg Monroe (Toronto Raptors), Shane Larkin (overseas) and Abdel Nader (Oklahoma City Thunder) have moved on.