Center Luka Garza is hoping to stick around long-term with the Boston Celtics after having a breakthrough season with the team this year.
In his fifth NBA season, Garza took a massive leap forward. He played in 69 games for Boston, averaging 8.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game, coming mostly off the bench for the Celtics. Garza proved to be a good fit for the team after signing a two-year contract at the league minimum, earning just $2.45 million this season. He is under contract for next year at $2.8 million, giving the team another season of bargain productivity from an improving young big man.
Luka Garza Wants to Remain a Celtic
Speaking to reporters after the Celtics’ season ended with an upset loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs, Garza was asked if he would like to remain around the Celtics long-term, to which the 27-year-old center emphatically said yes.
“Yeah, I hope so. I love it here. I feel like I fit the culture here in the locker room and what they’re trying to do. It’s just been such a pleasure working with this coaching staff and these guys on the team,” Garza said.
“I’m just very thankful to be here. I hope I can be here awhile… I’m excited about the future, and I’m going to do everything I can to live up to the standard of being a Boston Celtic.”
Since he’s under contract with the Celtics for another season, the team doesn’t need to be in a rush to sign him to an extension at this point. But it’s clear the player wants to be here, and presumably the team wants him back, too, so perhaps Garza will have discussions with Celtics exec Brad Stevens this summer about signing something longer term. With veteran Nikola Vucevic potentially leaving the team this offseason, Garza may get even more minutes next year, which could increase his price if he has a big year statistically and reaches the open market next summer.
Luka Garza’s Father Explains His Son’s Loyalty
Garza’s father, Frank, recently spoke to Adam Taylor of The Celtics Chronicle and explained that loyalty and commitment are important in their family. After Stevens and the Celtics gave the big man a chance to play so much this season for the Celtics, he wants to repay the favor to the team.
“In our family, there’s such a thing as unconditional commitment. There are no conditions. We’re unconditionally committed to winning for this city, for his teammates, for his coach, for Brad. They gave him the shot,” the elder Garza said.
After playing for three different teams in his first five seasons in the NBA, it appears that Garza has found a home in Boston. He clearly loves playing for the team and hopes to stick around going forward. The team has another year left of bargain production for Garza at the league minimum, and then if he has another year like he did this season, he will likely get more money next summer as an unrestricted free agent. But perhaps the team can come to an agreement before then on a team-friendly, long-term extension with Garza, giving him the stability he wants of being in one city, while giving the team a potential starting center for several years to come.
Luka Garza Hoping to Stick Around Longterm with Celtics