t, The Boston Celtics have chosen not to exercise Neemias Queta’s team option for the 2024-25 season, making him a free agenas reported by a league source. Despite this decision, there remains a possibility for Queta to return to Boston.
Queta served as a productive backup center for the Celtics last season. Initially on a two-way contract, he was promoted to the 15-man roster before the playoffs. The Celtics acquired Queta last August after he was waived by the Sacramento Kings due to a surplus of big men. Queta provided valuable depth for Boston, especially on nights when Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis were unavailable. Over 26 games with the Celtics, Queta achieved career-high statistics, averaging 5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 11.9 minutes per game across 28 appearances.
Although the Celtics have declined Queta’s option, they are still considering bringing him back. According to a league source, the team is exploring various options for the backup center position and might offer Queta a multi-year minimum deal with some form of guarantee. Additionally, Queta still has one year of two-way eligibility remaining, which means he could return to Boston or join another NBA team if he doesn’t secure a guaranteed spot on a 15-man roster.
As the Celtics enter free agency, Queta joins Oshae Brissett, Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, and Svi Mykhailiuk as unrestricted free agents. The Celtics have Bird Rights for Tillman and Kornet, allowing them to offer contracts above the league minimum. They can also offer up to 120 percent of last year’s contract to Mykhailiuk, Queta, and Brissett. Currently, the Celtics have four open spots on their 15-man roster.
This move reflects Boston’s strategy to reassess and potentially reconfigure their roster as they navigate free agency. Queta’s future with the Celtics remains uncertain, but the team’s interest in possibly bringing him back indicates his value as a reliable backup center.
