Free Agent Big Man Wants to Sign With Celtics in Shocking Turn of Events

The Boston Celtics' offseason has been eventful in all the wrong ways so far.

Team president Brad Stevens got to work in a hurry after six-time All-Star forward Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in the playoffs, effectively killing the Celtics' postseason hopes in both 2025 and 2026.

Stevens shipped two starters, guard Jrue Holiday and center Kristaps Porzingis, out of town, while letting free agent center Luke Kornet sign with the San Antonio Spurs and cutting point guard JD Davison. Sixth man extraordinaire Al Horford, who replaced an ailing Porzingis as a starter for most of the playoffs in both Boston's playoff runs, appears primed to link up with the Golden State Warriors in free agency.

The Celtics did obtain forward Georges Niang, guard Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick in the deals for Porzingis and Holiday, while also signing free agents Luka Garza and Josh Minott. Of Boston's three draft picks, No. 28 pick Hugo Gonzalez may have a fringe chance at cracking Joe Mazzulla's rotation.

More news: Former Celtics All-Defensive Teamer Gets Honest About Guarding Lakers' Kobe Bryant

Boston Summer League sensation Charles Bassey has had plenty of interest from international clubs, but is hoping to stay stateside as he pursues his next NBA opportunity.

Bassey is still hoping to sign with Boston, sources inform Noa Dalzell of SB Nation's CelticsBlog.

NEW: Sources tell me Charles Bassey is not currently planning on going overseas, despite multiple outlets indicating otherwise.

Bassey still sees the Celtics as an ideal destination, and is drawn to the team's culture of sustained winning.

More here: https://t.co/sdhFCZmTfq
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) August 2, 2025

Bassey spent the 2024-25 season with the San Antonio Spurs, and appears convinced he can help Boston's front line.

More news: Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Lands Shockingly Low in New Player Rankings

The Celtics appear poised to lose all three of their top centers from last year, as soon as Al Horford signs on with the Golden State Warriors (which has been rumored for weeks). Neemias Queta and new signing Luka Garza are Boston's current top two options at the position. Could Bassey beat out power forward/center Xavier Tillman for a gig as the Celtics' third-string center this year?

More news: Celtics Insider Provides Massive Update on Jaylen Brown Knee Injury

For more news and notes on the Boston Celtics, visit Boston Celtics on SI.