The Boston Celtics just handed Neemias Queta a lifeline. After a breakout 2025-26 campaign, the 26-year-old center earned a fully guaranteed four-year, $56 million contract extension on July 8, 2026. The deal locks him in through the 2030-31 season, giving Boston a reliable two-way big to build around.

What happened?

Queta wasn’t a household name when he slid into Boston’s starting lineup for the first time last year. But the 7-foot Portuguese center delivered right away, posting 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while anchoring a frontcourt that absorbed major offseason losses. The Celtics finished 57-25 in the regular season - good for the East’s second seed - before falling to the Philadelphia 76ers in seven games in the first round on May 2, 2026. Queta’s emergence kept Boston competitive even without Jayson Tatum for most of the year.

Why Queta stands out

Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently named Queta the NBA’s most underrated player heading into 2026-27. “When the Celtics took a hacksaw to their bloated budget last summer, they did so knowing that the bottom might fall out for its interior rotation,” Buckley wrote. “Neemias Queta is the biggest (only?) reason why Boston’s bigs were able to hold it together.” Queta’s per-game averages last season included 1.3 blocks and a 58.9 FG%, both top-tier marks for a first-time starter.

The Celtics lost their last five games before bowing out to Philadelphia. Yet Queta’s impact was undeniable. He flashed nimble footwork in the paint, set solid screens on the perimeter, and cleaned up misses with 2.1 offensive rebounds per contest. Boston’s front office clearly sees more of the same coming.

What the contract means

The four-year, $56 million deal makes Queta one of the league’s highest-paid backup centers. It also signals Boston’s long-term faith in his rim protection and passing out of the post. Coach Joe Mazzulla now has a frontcourt anchor who can switch onto guards, switch back onto bigs, and finish lobs. The extension arrives just as the Celtics look to reload after their early playoff exit.

What comes next

Queta turns 27 in July. He’s about to face heavier scrutiny in 2026-27 after his breakout season. The Celtics need him to replicate - or even top - his 10.2/8.4 averages while staying healthy. If he does, the “most underrated” label will fade fast. For now, Boston has bet big on a player who quietly became the heartbeat of its frontcourt last season. Last result: Boston Celtics 100-109 Philadelphia 76ers (2026-05-02).