Thursday, February 1, 2024, in Boston, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) attempts a basket against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) in defense. (Steven Senne/AP Photo)AP
LAS VEGAS: There was still a good chance Neemias Queta would return to Boston when the Celtics declined his contract option before he entered free agency. It appears that when it comes to his next move, Queta wasn’t even looking elsewhere.
Both the C’s and, more significantly, Queta want his return to Boston, particularly following his 2024 championship victory. Thus, the organization re-signed the reserve big man to a multi-year contract after the two parties swiftly came to an agreement over free agency.
Queta, 25, signed a three-year deal with the Celtics with a fully-guaranteed salary for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The second year has a partial guarantee while the third year is a team option. Regardless, Queta — after looking for some stability in the league — has found just that in a home with the Celtics.
“We wanted to reach a longer-term deal, something that would suit both parties,” Queta said. “I felt like the team wanted me back really bad. I really wanted to be back, too. It was just a perfect solution for both, and I’m just glad to be back here for a long time coming.”
Initially, the Celtics brought in the 7-foot big man on a two-way contract last year. The C’s needed big man depth, so after the Kings waived Queta, the organization brought in the big man. Queta posted career-highs across the board in 28 games, averaging 5.5 points and 4.4 rebounds in 11.9 minutes per game.
