Celtics Reward Neemias Queta With Long-Term Extension After Breakout Season

The Boston Celtics have rewarded Neemias Queta with a long-term extension after a breakout season.

Boston has secured one of its important young players for the foreseeable future, signing Queta to a fully guaranteed four-year, $56 million deal. The contract keeps him under team control through the 2030-31 season and represents another major step in the Celtics’ efforts to build a core for the future.

Earlier this offseason, Boston traded Jaylen Brown for Paul George—a controversial move. But the Celtics needed frontcourt help, so they acquired Mitchell Robinson from the New York Knicks and retained Queta. The added depth addresses issues exposed against the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs, especially after Joel Embiid’s return.

The Sixers ended up winning that series, coming back from a 3-1 deficit. Queta was selected in 2021 with the 39th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings. The Celtics took a chance on him, signing him to a two-way contract before later converting him to a standard NBA deal.

He averaged 10 points, eight rebounds and one block in 76 games, including 75 starts. Queta excelled during the regular season and finished fourth in NBA Most Improved Player voting. He is just 26 years old.

The Celtics will continue reshaping the roster after a busy offseason, but one thing is certain: they now have two big men with long-term contracts. Boston’s center play will be crucial in a tough Eastern Conference.