Celtics forward Torrey Craig, who is now a free-agent, told CelticsBlog’s Noa Dalzell that he enjoyed playing the second half of the season in Boston and hopes to return for next season.
“I love everything about Boston,” Craig said. “If it was available, then I would see myself coming back.”
The Celtics will likely try to cut costs this summer, as they are deep into the luxury tax. They are currently in the second apron, which is the spending threshold that triggers the highest level of luxury tax penalties.
The Celtics traded for Craig at the trade deadline in February. The 34-year-old small forward made $2.8 million last season according to ESPN. He appeared in 17 games, making three starts and averaged 2.7 points in 11.8 minutes per game.
Craig, who made an NBA Finals appearance with the Phoenix Suns in 2021, said he enjoyed being on a championship contender again.
“Just being around the guys that previously won the championship – just seeing how they operate, how together they were, just being a part of the Celtic culture,” Craig said. “That was a cool experience for me.”
Craig, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet are free agents this summer. The Celtics will have to evaluate each of their futures with the organization, and likely will have to explore one or more of the players they already have under contract.
The salaries of their five starters — Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White — would put the Celtics over the first apron threshold on their own.
Plus, the Celtics will also have to decide how to best move forward considering that Jayson Tatum could miss a considerable chunk of time next year as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles’ tendon.
“It’s a great group of guys, obviously, the situation matters, but I feel like even without JT, this team could still compete for a championship,” Craig said. “They’re talented. You just have to find a way to play basketball a little differently. But this group is way more capable. I have the utmost confidence.”
Craig praised the Celtics for the “family-oriented” vibe around the team. His 10-year-old son Braylon was often at the games. He also said that the Celtics do “everything the right way” as an organization.
Craig broke into the NBA after going undrafted in 2014 and playing several years overseas. He’s had stints with the Nuggets, Bucks, Pacers, Suns, and Bulls.
He says he likes the Celtics and hopes he can stay.
