Optionality, the Walker-Pierce parallels, and 2028

Boston, MA - March 22: Former Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce reacts after guard Jaylen Brown made a 3-pointer in the first quarter. The Celtics played the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden on March 22, 2026. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images If you tuned in to the press conference, you heard two buzzwords from President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens and majority owner Bill Chisolm: “optionality” and “basket