Offseason key dates - circle your calendars

The playoffs will start and end without the Celtics participating but this summer is gearing up to be a very interesting one. Here are some dates that you should circle on your calendar. It would be wise also to bookmark this post for future reference as well.

Apr. 16 - Last Game of Regular Season - also the first day the Celtics and other lottery teams can make trades again. (via Larry Coon)

Teams are free to make trades again once their season has ended, but cannot trade players whose contracts are ending or could end due to an option or ETO.

Apr. 27 - NBA Draft Early Entry Eligibility Deadline (11:59 p.m. EST)

May 20 - Draft Lottery

Jun. 16 - NBA Draft Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline (5 p.m. ET)

Jun. 26 - NBA Draft

Jul. 1 - Jul 9 - Free Agent Moratorium *

* Here is an explanation of the Moratorium period (via Larry Coon)

Free agents become free on July 1, but the salary cap is not set until the league's audit is completed later in the month. Teams and players must wait for the salary cap to be set before trades and most free agent signings can commence. Teams may negotiate with free agents beginning July 1, but they have to wait until the moratorium ends before signing a contract.

In effect, there are always several free agents that "agree in principle" with teams during this moratorium period and make the contract official after it has been lifted.

Jul. 10 - Free Agents eligible to sign

Jul. 12 - Trade Exception from Pierce/Garnett trade ($10.3M) expires

July  - Orlando Summer League - Updated dates below:

Saturday, July 5: Boston vs. OKC, 11 a.m.
Monday, July 7: Boston vs. Indiana, 3 p.m.
Wednesday, July 9: Boston vs. Detroit, 7 p.m. 
Thursday, July 10: Boston vs. Orlando, 5 p.m. 
Friday, July 11: Championship Day, TBD

Jul 11 - 21 - Vegas Summer League (Update: according to Ainge, the Celtics will not participate in the Vegas League)