The NBA is reportedly considering expanding by two teams, with a possible vote by the Board of Governors this summer. According to sports reporter Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News, the new franchises are expected to be located in Seattle and Las Vegas, signaling a significant shift in the league’s landscape that could greatly affect current team rosters, including the Boston Celtics.
Seattle’s return to the NBA market is long anticipated after the SuperSonics left in 2008. Meanwhile, Las Vegas has rapidly become a sports hub, having welcomed NFL’s Raiders, NHL’s Golden Knights, WNBA’s Aces, and soon MLB’s Athletics. The addition of two NBA teams in these cities would trigger an expansion draft, the first in nearly two decades, forcing existing teams like the Celtics to make difficult decisions about which players to protect.
Critical Players Likely to Be Shielded from Selection
Teams can protect only eight players during an expansion draft, and unrestricted free agents cannot be included in this list, which excludes recent acquisition Nikola Vucevic from Boston’s protected players. Several Celtics stars clearly stand out as must-protect choices.
Jayson Tatum remains the franchise cornerstone. Despite concerns over his recent Achilles injury, his status as an All-Star and long-term face of the team makes his protection a foregone conclusion as he enters his prime at age 28.
Jaylen Brown is another irreplaceable asset. Having elevated his game to All-Star starter level, Brown’s value to the Celtics is immense, even amid debates about his contract. Losing him in an expansion draft would be a significant blow to Boston.
Derrick White’s overall game offers consistency beyond his current shooting struggles. Locked into the roster with a contract through the 2027-28 season plus an option year, White is expected to be safeguarded.
Payton Pritchard shines as one of the best draft-and-develop success stories in Boston. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year continues to grow on a cost-effective deal through 2027-28 and contributes valuable depth and scoring off the bench.
Zelfen Neemias Queta, at 26 years old, is emerging as Boston’s starting center and approaching his prime years. Signed through next season, his breakout performance this year suggests the Celtics would protect him to retain frontcourt stability.
Sam Hauser, another undrafted player turned key shooter, rounds out the list of likely protected players. Despite trade rumors tied to his rising value, his long-term contract through 2028-29 and elite shooting ability make him hard to lose to a new franchise.
Players on the Bubble for Protection Consideration
Hugo Gonzalez presents a compelling case for protection despite being only 20 years old and still refining his offensive skills. Known for his defensive prowess and game awareness, the Celtics are unlikely to expose such a promising first-round pick to expansion draft risks.
Jordan Walsh has had a breakout season with promising production and potential, though his night-to-night consistency remains an issue. At a younger age than some alternatives, Walsh could have a slim advantage in protection discussions.
Baylor Scheierman offers strong effort and tough minutes off the bench, but as a 26-year-old rookie, his chances of being protected are less certain. The decision likely boils down to a tough call between Scheierman and Walsh, both vying for limited roster spots.
Remaining Celtics Players Facing Vulnerability to Expansion Draft
Players outside the top protection consideration include Amari Williams and Luka Garza, who could be at risk of selection by the new teams. Additionally, two-way contract players such as Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, and John Tonje are also unlikely to be shielded during the draft, making them available targets for expansion franchises looking to build experience and depth.
Broader Implications for Boston and the NBA
The potential NBA expansion presents the Celtics with complex roster management challenges, balancing development prospects with established talent. Protecting the right mix of players will be crucial to maintaining competitiveness while navigating the uncertainty of the draft process. How Boston handles this moment could influence their trajectory in the coming years, especially as younger players vie for roles amid the league’s evolving landscape.
The expansion also reflects a broader transformation in professional sports markets, with Seattle’s basketball revival and Las Vegas’s rise as a multi-sport city reshaping NBA geography. Fans and analysts will be watching closely this summer as official decisions approach, weighing how new teams will integrate into the league and which players will define the Celtics’ future after the expansion draft.
Think it's going to be an extra-great year for Seattle. I'm hearing NBA Board of Governors likely to vote on expanding by two teams this summer and Las Vegas and Seattle are favored.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) February 9, 2026
