Celtics' quiet Jordan Walsh decision only delays the inevitable

Chowder and Champions · Jul 20, 2026 20:00 · 3 min read

Celtics' quiet Jordan Walsh decision only delays the inevitable — Boston Celtics wing Jordan Walsh (27). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Boston Celtics quietly made a big decision on Jordan Walsh, but it doesn't change much about his long-term outlook.

According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, the Boston Celtics have fully guaranteed Jordan Walsh's $2.4 million contract for next season.

With this decision, barring a trade, it's pretty much a give-in that Walsh will be on the Celtics' roster next season. But even more than that, next season has quietly become a make-or-break one for the Texas native.

Next season will be the fourth of Walsh's NBA career, and the jury is still out on him. His defense is elite, and his three-point shooting has improved (he shot a career-high 38.4% from deep last season). But his offensive game is still incredibly limited all-around, and he is practically buried on the depth chart behind guys like Jayson Tatum, Paul George, Hugo Gonzalez, Sam Hauser, and Baylor Scheierman.

Walsh needs to take that next step next season to finally establish himself as a real contributor in Boston, because, if he can't, then his days with the team are all but numbered.

Don't be surprised if next season is Jordan Walsh's last in Boston

To be clear, I like Walsh. He plays hard, is fantastic on the defensive side of the ball, and has become a bit more well-rounded since joining the league. But it's a bit concerning that the jury is still out on him after three seasons with the Celtics, especially considering who else is on the team.

He's obviously not better than Tatum, George, or Hauser, and he never will be. You could also say that Gonzalez is already a better version of Walsh with more potential (he is much more skillful and is two years younger) and that Scheierman is a better fit in the system because of his advantage on offense.

(Also, let's not forget about Dillon Mitchell, who the Celtics drafted in the second round in June. He's another player who excels defensively and athletically and doesn't have a jump shot. But if his performance in summer league is any indication, this might not be much of a problem down the line.)

Combine all that with the fact that Walsh is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2027 and due for a new contract, and it seems highly unlikely that the Arkansas alum will stick around for that much longer.

Obviously, all of that can change if he has a breakout season, but that seems unlikely at this point. He hasn't fully figured it out three years in, and with his spot on the depth chart, it's going to be incredibly difficult for him to get regular opportunities.

Walsh is a good player, but he doesn't provide much long-term value to the Celtics. Don't be shocked if he's not at the roster at this time next season.