Exploration of Potential Trades for Celtics Slated for Summer
Rewritten Article:
The Boston Celtics have punched their ticket to the NBA Playoffs' second round, vanquishing the Orlando Magic in five hard-fought games. But with ESPN's Shams Charania spilling the beans about Boston exploring offseason trade options, their roster could undergo a significant transformation.
The front office won't be able to maintain the current set of starters and role players. According to Charania on The Pat McAfee Show, "Boston is fully focused on winning a championship." However, he warns, "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."
Rumors of change have been circulating for weeks, with sources pointing to Boston actively seeking trade opportunities. The team, as it stands, isn't seen as sustainable for the long haul. This sentiment is shared by players and staff alike.
Boston's Costly Roster
The Celtics are teetering on the edge of NBA history, potentially fielding the most expensive roster ever. In the upcoming 2025-26 season, Boston's projected salary and tax penalties total an astronomical $445 million. With many spots on the roster still to be filled, this figure could swell past $500 million.
Star forward Jaylen Brown secured one of the biggest deals in league history in July 2023, signing a five-year supermax extension worth a mind-boggling $303.7 million. This season, he's pocketing $49.2 million, with his salary skyrocketing to $53.14 million in 2025-26 and $57 million in 2026-27. By 2028-29, Brown could rake in an astounding $64.95 million.
Meanwhile, four-time All-NBA member Jayson Tatum penned a five-year, $314 million extension the same month, shattering the record for the NBA's largest contract. In 2025-26, Tatum's salary will hit $54.12 million, and his 2029-30 player option could net him a staggering $71.44 million.
With Brown and Tatum as the team's highest-paid players, finding a way to keep stars like Jrue Holiday, who's owed $32.4 million next year, and Kristaps Porzingis, who will demand $30.73 million in 2025-26, becomes a challenge. Derrick White is also slated to earn $28.1 million.
The Celtics might free up some cap space by offloading Porzingis's expiring deal. Despite missing most of the playoff run last season, the former All-Star helped propel Boston to the championship.
Another potential cap casualty is Sam Hauser, who inked a four-year, $45 million extension last summer. Hauser is on track to earn a hefty $10 million during the 2025-26 campaign. However, the tax implications make retaining him expensive.
With significant salary cap hurdles looming, the Celtics are preparing for a major shakeup. Brown, Porzingis, and others could be on the trade block. Only time will tell which direction the Celtics will take to stay competitive while navigating their financial challenges.
- The Celtics, currently in the NBA Playoffs' second round, could face a roster overhaul this offseason, as they explore trade options to reduce costs, due to a potentially astronomical $500 million payroll for the 2025-26 season.
- Star forward Jaylen Brown, who signed a $303.7 million supermax extension in July 2023, is a significant portion of the Celtics' expensive roster and will earn $57 million in the 2026-27 season.
- Jayson Tatum, who inked a $314 million contract the same month as Brown, will see his salary rise to $54.12 million in the 2025-26 season and hold a player option worth $71.44 million in 2029-30.
- Finding a balance in keeping all stars, such as Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White, becomes a challenge with the Celtics' high payroll, prompting the team to consider trading some players like Porzingis, given his expiring deal.
- With significant tax implications and tight salary cap constraints, the Celtics are bracing for a major shakeup, potentially moving players like Brown, Porzingis, and others to alleviate financial hurdles while aiming to remain competitive.
