The Boston Celtics have named Joe Mazzulla the 19th head coach in franchise history and have agreed upon a contract extension with him.

Mazzulla replaces Ime Udoka, who was suspended by the Celtics for the entire season.

“As he has shown, Joe is a very talented coach and leader,” said Brad Stevens. “He has a unique ability to galvanize a room around a mission. We are thankful for the work he has done to help get us to this point, and excited that he has agreed to lead us into the future.”

The Celtics currently own the best record in the Eastern Conference at 42-17. Mazzulla, a native of Johnston, RI, was recognized as the NBA Eastern Conference Coach of the Month for games played in October and November after leading the team to a league-best 18-4 record (.818). Mazzulla was also named the NBA All-Star Head Coach on Jan. 30, and will coach Team Giannis in Salt Lake City. Mazzulla becomes only the third first-year head coach over the last 24 seasons to helm an All-Star team, and is the eighth coach in Celtics history to earn the honor.

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White did not travel home with the team following their loss at the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. White stayed in Milwaukee to meet with an ear specialist, after having trouble hearing out of his left ear.

In the second quarter, White collided with Bucks guard Grayson Allen as both went for a loose ball. Following the play, White was seen repeatedly shaking his head, and cupping his ears. He remained in the game and nearly led the very shorthanded Celtics to an overtime victory.

Boston played the game without starters Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Al Horford. Fifth starter Rob Williams played only 13 minutes off the bench. The Celtics play at home against the Detroit Pistons in a back-to-back on Wednesday, before heading into the All-Star break.

The Boston Celtics chose not to trade Grant Williams ahead of last week's trade deadline. Boston sees Williams is a key rotation player in their bid to make a return trip to the NBA Finals. But Williams' long-term future is a bit more up in the air.

Several teams are monitoring Williams as he heads into restricted free agency this summer. Some believe Williams is seeking a $20 million per season contract, similar to the one Keldon Johnson signed with the San Antonio Spurs.

Williams has averaged 8.7 points and 4.8 rebounds in 27.6 minutes per game this season. He's hit 41% of his three-pointers over each of the last two seasons. In individual games this season, Williams has set or equaled his career-high in points, rebounds and assists.

Derrick White and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have been named the NBA's Players of the Week for Week 17.

White averaged 24.5 points, 7.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds as the Boston Celtics went 4-0.

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.3 points and 6.3 assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder went 2-1.

Payton Pritchard was mentioned in trade rumors leading to the deadline and hoped he would be moved by the Boston Celtics. 

Pritchard's minutes have diminished as he plays behind Marcus Smart, Derrick White and Malcom Brogdon.

“I definitely was expecting and hoping [for a trade],” Pritchard told the Globe. “But you know, I [have to] look at the good things. We’re the best team in the NBA right now and we have a great team with really great players, so for me it’s an opportunity to learn and to keep growing.”

Pritchard has watched his minutes steadily decrease each of his three seasons since being drafted 26th overall in 2020. He’s averaging 12.6 minutes and 4.7 points this season, both career lows. 

Brad Stevens offered Pritchard in a package with Danilo Gallinari for San Antonio’s Jakob Poeltl, but the Spurs declined the offer and traded center to the Toronto Raptors ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

“It was an emotional day, but you know I’m here and I quickly changed my mind and I’m here to do a job to the best of my ability,” Pritchard said. “For me my mindset is just come in every day and keep getting better. The only thing I can do is focus on that.”

Pritchard is eligible for a rookie extension this summer. 

Danny Green could receive interest from the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers if he becomes a free agent.

Green hopes to be waived by the Houston Rockets, who acquired him from the Memphis Grizzlies at the trade deadline.

Green recently returned from his torn ACL.

The Boston Celtics have agreed to acquire Mike Muscala from the Oklahoma City Thunder for Justin Jackson and two second round picks.

Jaylen Brown has suffered a facial fracture and is expected to miss several weeks. Brown was injured via an elbow from Jayson Tatum.

Brown will be seen by a specialist on Thursday for an additional diagnosis. 

Brown made the All-Star team for the second time in his career this season.

The Boston Celtics continue to seek more depth at center and have been exploring the combined value of trading out Danilo Gallinari and Payton Pritchard, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo.

Gallinari suffered a torn ACL during the offseason and has missed the entire season. Pritchard's value to the Celtics as a rotation guard has decreased after they acquired Derrick White and Malcolm Brogan in sequential transaction windows. 

Fischer adds that Jakob Poeltl and Mo Bamba are a pair of available big men that match that outgoing salary. 

Versatile wings are always in demand ahead of the trade deadline. If that player is on a team-friendly contract, so much the better. The Houston Rockets have such a player in Jae'Sean Tate.

The Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards have all expressed interest in Tate ahead of Thurday's trade deadline. The Rockets are not shopping the 27-year-old wing, but are open to listening to offers when teams call.

Tate has appeared in just 16 games this season, after suffering a serious ankle injury. However, teams hold a high regard for Tate's defensive ability, including his ability to defend much larger players than his 6-foot-4 frame.

Tate is in the first year of a three-year, $20.6 million deal. This season is worth just over $7 million, with next dropping to $6.5 million, while the final season goes back up to just over $7 million but also contains a team option.