Celtics Eye Major Changes to Tackle Salary Crunch
With the NBA offseason officially underway following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship victory, the Boston Celtics are facing a significant payroll challenge. The team is working diligently to navigate a hefty financial landscape as Brad Stevens aims to bring the Celtics under the second apron of the league’s luxury tax.
With Jayson Tatum’s supermax extension—worth $313 million over five years—set to kick in during the 2025-26 season, the Celtics find themselves grappling with an already substantial payroll of approximately $225 million for next year. Coupled with projected luxury taxes around $280 million, the total payroll could soar to a staggering $513 million, eclipsing the previous record held by the Warriors.
In light of this daunting financial obligation, the Celtics are contemplating trades to alleviate their salary burden. Notably, former NBA front office insider Bobby Marks suggests two pivotal trades to help reset Boston’s books. The first trade would send Jrue Holiday to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for forward P.J. Washington Jr., while the Brooklyn Nets would acquire Jaden Hardy and Caleb Martin.
In a second deal, the Celtics would part with forward Sam Hauser and center Xavier Tillman, receiving center Duop Reath from the Portland Trail Blazers. Collectively, these trades could save the Celtics over $300 million in salary expenditures while also strengthening their frontcourt depth.
While the potential departures of Holiday and Hauser may be felt— particularly in leadership and shooting roles—these moves are seen as crucial for Boston’s long-term financial health and roster construction. The Celtics are poised to recalibrate their approach, all while continuing to build a competitive team around Tatum and other key players. As the offseason progresses, fans will be eager to see how these trades unfold and what they mean for the future of the franchise.
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