The Boston Celtics are headed to the second round of the NBA Playoffs after taking down the Orlando Magic in just five games.
But behind the scenes, big changes might be coming.
ESPN’s Shams Charania dropped a bombshell recently, revealing that Boston will likely shake up its roster this offseason. The current lineup, despite its success, simply isn’t sustainable financially.
"Right now, Boston is fully focused on winning a championship. That is the number one focus: repeating," Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show. "But I can tell you – the rest of the league is bracing for some level of change to come to the Celtics’ roster this offseason."
The insider didn’t mince words about what he’s been hearing.
"Sources have been telling me for weeks now that the Celtics will be exploring trade options in the offseason. This team – this iteration – is just not going to be sustainable for this team. And no one around the organization, from players to staffers, would be surprised if there are changes coming to this roster."
Money Problems Looming Large
The numbers tell a staggering story.
The Celtics are looking at a mind-boggling $445 million in projected salary and tax penalties for the 2025-26 season. That figure could easily balloon past $500 million once they fill out the entire roster.
Let that sink in – potentially the most expensive team in NBA history.
The financial crunch started when Jaylen Brown signed his massive five-year, $303.7 million supermax extension in July 2023. He’s making $49.2 million this season alone, with his salary climbing to $64.95 million by 2028-29.
Not to be outdone, Jayson Tatum inked the largest contract in NBA history last July – a five-year deal worth a whopping $314 million. His salary hits $54.12 million next season and includes a player option worth $71.44 million for 2029-30.
That’s a lot of money tied up in just two players.
Who Might Be on the Move?
With Brown and Tatum locked in as the franchise cornerstones, other stars might have to go.
Jrue Holiday is owed $32.4 million next season.
Kristaps Porzingis will make $30.73 million.
Derrick White is set to earn $28.1 million.
Something’s gotta give.
Porzingis seems like the most logical candidate to be moved. His contract expires after next season, and the Celtics actually won the NBA championship last year while he was sidelined for most of the playoff run.
Even role players aren’t safe. Sam Hauser, who signed a four-year, $45 million extension last summer, might be too expensive to keep. Though his $10 million salary doesn’t seem outrageous, the tax penalties make his actual cost to the team much higher.
The Celtics are chasing back-to-back titles right now, but the front office clearly has some tough decisions waiting once the confetti settles.
