Both Neemias Queta and the Boston Celtics overachieved during the 2025-26 NBA regular season. With many expecting Boston to have a rebuilding year, guard Jaylen Brown, along with a cast of role players that included Queta, defied preseason odds. After finishing first in the Atlantic Division at 56-26, the No. 2-seeded Celtics were upset by the No. 7-seeded Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
Despite the early playoff exit, Queta and the Boston squad still exceeded expectations. The NBA champion proved himself to be more than just a reliable center, finishing third in the league in field goal percentage (65.3%).
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After being selected No. 39 overall by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft to become the first Portuguese player ever drafted, Queta never saw more than 14 minutes per game in a season. The Utah State Aggies standout got his chance last season, averaging 10.2 points per game, 8.4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 0.8 steals in 25.3 minutes of action.
Team President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens and his front office seem to be receptive to the play of the 26-year-old, as on Monday they made a decision on his contract with the team. The Celtics went to the social media platform X to announce that they had exercised their team options for a few Celtics players, with Queta being one of them.
The Celtics posted on X their decision to exercise team options on center Neemias Queta, forward Jordan Walsh and guard Dalano Banton, with Banton's deal being non-guaranteed. The franchise also declined team options for center Amari Williams and guard Max Shulga.
"The Boston Celtics have exercised the team options in the contracts of Neemias Queta," the Celtics wrote on X. "Jordan Walsh, and Dalano Banton."
Boston will be led by assistant coach Amile Jefferson when the Celtics face the Raptors on July 10 at 9 p.m. ET to begin their 2026 NBA Summer League.
