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After LeBron James left for the West last summer, the Boston Celtics were tipped by many as the team who were set to become the new dominant force in the Eastern Conference. After all, they had managed to reach the 2018 East Finals despite the absences of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, and they were also tipped as the favorites to land Anthony Davis this summer.
However, the Celtics' season hasn't worked out as planned -- and the team is on the verge of exiting the playoffs to the Milwaukee Bucks. A number of the roster are also facing questions over their futures, and ahead of a potentially busy offseason, here are three players that could leave.
#3 Kyrie Irving
Back in October, Kyrie Irving announced his intention to re-sign with the Celtics. While speaking at an event for season-ticket holders, Irving declared his loyalty to Celtics, stating his desire to stay in a 'real sports city'.
However, as the season has progressed, Irving has changed his stance. He has refused to commit his future to Boston, and his ongoing criticism of the team has reportedly upset the Celtics locker room. In light of this, Evan Dammarell of Forbes is reporting that Irving looks increasingly likely to leave:
The Celtics appeared to be primed to seize on LeBron James' exodus to the West, especially with Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving returning from injury. Instead, nearly the exact opposite has happened for Boston, and now they face the reality of losing Irving in free agency.
Irving to either of the NBA franchises in New York City is one of the NBA's worst-kept secrets, especially based on his comments this year, and with how Celtics fans are taking the debut of 'Playoff Kyrie', it seems like he would not be missed.
While Irving's departure would be a major blow, it would give the opportunity to Jayson Tatum to become the new face of the team.
#2 Terry Rozier
Due to the sustained form and fitness of Irving, Terry Rozier has struggled to make much of an impact in Boston this season. The 25-year-old started just 14 regular season games, and over his 79 appearances, Rozier averaged only 22.7 minutes per game.
The point guard has also struggled during the postseason, recording just 11 points over his last three outings, and back in April, Rozier revealed that he couldn't wait for the season to finish. After the conclusion of the playoffs, Rozier will become a restricted free agent, and the Celtics need to make a decision on if they are to entrust Rozier as Irving's successor.
However, this looks increasingly unlikely, as the Celtics are likely to target a new All-Star guard such as Kemba Walker. This leaves Rozier facing a summer exit, and thanks to his performances during the 2018 postseason, 'Scary Terry' should have no trouble in finding a new home.
#1 Gordon Hayward
Back in the summer of 2017, the Celtics beat off competition from a number of rivals to secure the signing of Gordon Hayward. Hayward had finished the 16/17 season averaging 21.9 points, shooting 40% from beyond the arc, and he was also named as an All-Star for the first time.
However, just minutes into his Boston debut, Hayward suffered a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle, immediately ending his season. The 29-year-old managed to recover in time for the beginning of the 18/19 campaign, although his tally of 11.5 points-per-game is his lowest number since 2011.
His poor performances also resulted in a bench role, something that few envisioned when Hayward landed in Boston two summers ago. Despite Brad Stevens' best efforts, the small forward is clearly a bad fit for a young, dynamic Celtics team, and the team will do everything in their power to offload the remaining two years of his $128 million contract.
