NBA rumors: Warriors’ last dance, Celtics’ pricey extensions, and Doc Rivers is an all-time great (at losing)

NBA rumors: Celtics’ All-NBA selections could cost team more than $100 million

The Boston Celtics avoided an early postseason exit with Thursday’s Game 6 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, clinching the win thanks to strong performances from their star duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Tatum struggled throughout the first three quarters before finding his groove in the fourth, outscoring the 76ers 16-13 alone; Brown put together a solid game overall with 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

The good news for the Celtics is that those two can help them defeat Philly in Game 7 and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The bad news is that the team does, eventually, have to think about their massive extensions.

Both Tatum and Brown became super-max eligible after being named to the All-NBA team: Tatum made the first team while Brown made the second team.

Tatum will be up for a five-year, $318 million extension, and Brown will be up for a five-year, $295 million extension.

Of the two, Tatum’s contract extension feels like the safest lock. Tatum’s more defensive-minded costar, Brown, has been a frequently talked about potential trade candidate (Brown to the Warriors? Cowherd is insane) for most of his Celtics’ career, and those rumors are only getting louder now. Brown’s early career in Boston was one littered with immature mistakes and inconsistencies, and some analysts don’t see him as a long-term franchise piece for the Celtics.

Brown himself said in March that he doesn’t know if he will stay. “As long as I’m needed. It’s not up to me.”

Not very reassuring for someone who could cost the franchise almost $300 million this summer.

NBA rumors: The Warriors aren’t done yet, says Steve Kerr

The Golden State Warriors are still breathing, barely. They forced a Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the Western Conference, but Friday night’s game could end their rollercoaster ride of a 2022 season.

And, perhaps, end the dynasty?

On an episode of 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs”, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was asked ahead of Game 6 whether this could be the last display of Golden State’s big three: Curry, Thompson, and Green.

Kerr said it never even crossed his mind.

He’s sweeping those Last Dance comparisons under the rug, for now, as the Warriors look to complete a statistically unlikely 3-1 comeback against the Lakers. Then again, Steph Curry was never one for making statistically likely shots.

Kerr elaborated, reminding people he played on that legendary Chicago Bulls team, a team that was “finished mentally, emotionally” at the very end.

By contrast: “Steph, Klay and Draymond, they’ve got lots to give for years to come. I never even have stopped to give that a second thought.”

Kerr seems to feel pretty strongly about the Warriors’ nucleus staying together during what would appear to be the twilight of a four championship-winning dynasty, but there are probably more questions about this Warriors team than Kerr would publicly admit.

General manager Bob Myers’ contract is set to expire this summer. Jordan Poole has turned from last season’s darling star to this playoff’s most-hated anti-hero. And Draymond Green could technically turn down his $27.6 million player option next year and find a more lucrative contract elsewhere.

The core pieces are alive, well, and competing: Steph, Klay, Draymond, Looney, Wiggins, and the recently acquired Gary Payton II. Should Golden State fall to LA tonight, is chemistry enough to keep the gang together?

NBA rumors: Doc Rivers is an all-time great at losing Game 7s

In an alternate universe, a “clutch” Doc Rivers might exist. Unfortunately for the Philadelphia 76ers, this universe’s Doc Rivers is not clutch. He is anything but.

Following the 76ers’ Game 6 loss to the Celtics, Rivers’ ugly postseason stats have taken the spotlight, causing many to doubt whether Philly can pull off the series win.

The 76ers head coach is 6-9 in career Game 7s. His last win came against the Spurs in 2015, and none of his wins have occurred on the road (his team will travel back to the Garden in Game 7).

If you zoom out and look out closeout games, Rivers has compiled a 17-32 record in his 23 years of coaching, the most of any other coach in NBA history. And in his last nine chances to reach the Conference Finals spanning across multiple teams, Rivers has lost every single time.

Worried as a 76ers fan? You should be. Here’s what the NBA community is thinking about Rivers and Game 7s:

Rivers has to be on the hot seat this weekend. The 76ers have never been so close yet so far away from tasting the Eastern Conference Finals.