According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, confirmed by the organization, head coach Joe Mazzulla has signed a mutli-year extension with the Boston Celtics. It became official Friday morning.

Since the indefinite suspension, and subsequent exit, of now Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka, Mazzulla took over as the coach of the Celtics. He has been on a path of excellency and fulfilling high standards.

In his first season, the 37-year-old led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals. The following year, in 2024, Mazzulla took them to the NBA Finals and won in five against Dallas Mavericks – when Luka Doncic played for the organization.

“This is truly a blessing,” said Mazzulla. “I would not be here without my faith, my wife, and my children. We are thankful for the partnership with our ownership groups, Brad’s mentorship, and the support of our staff. Most importantly, I am grateful for the players I have been able to coach the past three seasons. I look forward to competing for the Celtics and the city of Boston.”

According to ESPN’s Jamal Collier, Damian Lillard has always had the plans of making a return to the Portland Trail Blazers before his retirement.

Even before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, he reportedly told people his plan of making a return to Portland.

“In just two years, I probably wouldn’t have believed it,” Lillard said in late July at his introductory news conference. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t expect this to happen at some point, but for it to happen this soon, I wasn’t expecting this.”

Ultimately, his plan of returning home was sped up due to his Achilles tear. Once that happened and the Bucks no longer wanted him, Lillard was ready to return to Portland and enact his plan.

By the time Lillard is able to rejoin the Blazers, he will be 36 years old when he is fully healed from his Achilles injury.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Boston Celtics have made significant strides in reducing their overall payroll and luxury tax since the beginning of this offseason.

June 15th, Boston was hovering around a projection of $540 million. August 5th, Boston is now around $239 million. That’s a total of $301 million they’ve been able to eliminate.

To be able to get a huge chunk of their payroll shedded, the Celtics traded away Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. In addition to the two trades, fans also saw the Celtics part ways with Luke Kornet and Al Horford.

Rumor has it that they are looking to trade Anfernee Simons, if it means getting a good deal in return and being able to reduce their payroll even more.

The 2024 NBA champions are looking to reassembling this team through the draft and around Jayson Tatum for when he returns from his Achilles tear.