The Boston Celtics wasted no time addressing their frontcourt needs as soon as NBA free agency began on Sunday evening. After re-signing Luke Kornet to a one-year deal, the Celtics also brought back Neemias Queta on a multi-year contract, as reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Queta, who will turn 25 on July 13, initially joined the Celtics on a two-way contract last September. His strong performance during the 2023-24 season earned him a standard contract in April. The 7-foot center averaged 5.5 points and 4.4 rebounds in just under 12 minutes per game in his debut season with Boston.
Having become the first Portuguese NBA player just over three years ago, Queta has now also become the first Portugal native to win an NBA championship. With Kristaps Porzingis expected to be out until November or December, Queta’s return provides valuable depth in the frontcourt alongside veteran Al Horford.
With Kornet and Queta’s contracts now resolved, the Celtics still have five players remaining on the free-agent market. Xavier Tillman, JD Davison, Oshae Brissett, Svi Mykhailiuk are unrestricted free agents, while Drew Peterson is their only restricted free agent.