Celtics Free Agency 2026: Latest News, Rumors & Offseason Signings for Boston
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After exceeding expectations and finishing the 2025-26 regular season as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs despite holding a 3-1 lead against the 76ers. Now, Boston is looking to make offseason upgrades and push its way back into the top tier of contenders.
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One significant concern for Celtics fans: Jaylen Brown's future in Boston. A member of the All-NBA Second Team, Brown was reportedly the centerpiece of the team's trade offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo before Miami snagged the two-time MVP. It's unclear if the Celtics can repair their relationship with Brown, so a deal may be inevitable.
Here are the latest rumors surrounding the Celtics as they look to bolster their roster during free agency.
Celtics free agency 2026: Latest news, rumors
Wednesday, July 1
Celtics trade Jaylen Brown to 76ers in exchange for Paul George, four draft picks
After falling short in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, the Celtics have traded Brown in another blockbuster, sending him to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Brown's time in Boston comes to a close after 10 seasons, a championship banner, and two Finals appearances. The 29-year-old wing leaves a massive legacy behind in Boston, fresh off an incredible 2025-26 campaign where he posted career highs across the board (28.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.1 APG) and earned All-NBA Second Team honors.
Celtics sign Mitchell Robinson to three-year deal
Boston makes a big signing, luring NBA champion Mitchell Robinson on a three-year, $47.4 million deal, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Robinson played a major role on the New York Knicks championship team that ended a 53-year championship drought, especially on the defensive end.
Robinson now joins Boston after spending his entire eight-year career in New York, where he was the longest-tenured member of the team. The 27-year-old big man brings an elite interior anchor, giving Boston a significant defensive boost and a premier weapon on the glass.
Goodbye, Nikola Vucevic; Hello, Mike Conley
Nikola Vucevic will return to the Magic after playing just 16 games for the Celtics. He has agreed to sign a one-year, $3.9 million deal with Orlando, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
While Boston lost a member of its frontcourt, it added a guard to the backcourt rotation, reaching an agreement with Mike Conley on a one-year deal, per Charania.
Former Celtics guard heading to Houston
Marcus Smart, who played for the Celtics from 2014-2023, will reunite with former Boston coach Ime Udoka in Houston. He will sign a two-year, $13 million deal with the Rockets, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Tuesday, June 30
Jalen Duren reportedly interested in playing for Celtics
Per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Jalen Duren has shown interest in a sign-and-trade scenario involving the Celtics. However, ESPN's Marc J. Spears reports that the Pistons are not interested in any sign-and-trade deals and will match any potential offer sheet for Duren.
Celtics may have to "significantly lower" asking price for Jaylen Brown
The Athletic's Sam Amick reported that the trade market for Brown feels underwhelming, so the Celtics may be forced to "significantly lower" their asking price. The Trail Blazers' interest is "moderate, at best," and the Nuggets' level of interest has been "significantly overstated," per Amick.
Tuesday, June 30
Celtics now making offers instead of just receiving them
During the June 30 edition of "Get Up," ESPN's Brian Windhorst said that the Celtics have not only received offers involving Brown, but also made them.
"When you have a valuable asset, you usually sit back and receive," Windhorst said. "And that has left the impression that they're searching a little bit, as is the fact that they've been looking for large volumes of draft picks in return for Brown just days after looking for a superstar player. So, right now, I do think the Celtics are searching a little bit, and that has left some uncertainty.
"It has even raised the possibility that they would retreat totally and try to repair the relationship with Jaylen Brown. There's one way to do it. It would be to give him a contract extension next month and a huge amount of money. That said, I do not think that situation is over. I still think they're looking, and I still think he could be traded."
Celtics free agency signings, trades 2026
- July 1: Celtics sign Mitchell Robinson to three-year deal, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
- July 1: Mike Conley has agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Celtics, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
- June 29: The Celtics have officially exercised the team options of Dalano Banton, Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh.
When does NBA free agency start in 2026?
- Date: Tuesday, June 30
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
NBA teams can begin negotiating with free agents at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 30. After reaching verbal agreements, teams can begin signing free agents to contracts at 12:01 p.m. ET on Monday, July 6.