The Boston Celtics might look a lot different next season, and it's not just because of Jayson Tatum's torn Achilles.
The Celtics were already pondering making significant changes this offseason before Tatum's injury, sources told The Athletic's Jay King.
Boston's payroll is projected to reach roughly $500 million if it maintains its current roster. That figure includes a $270-million tax penalty for being above the salary-cap threshold for a third consecutive season and $225.2 million for just 11 players.
Now that Tatum is unlikely to play next season, there's the possibility of a more drastic shakeup, King notes. Jrue Holiday should interest several contending teams should Boston try to move him, sources told King. He's slated to make $32.4 million next season.
Kristaps Porzingis has an expiring contract worth $30.7 million that should have value around the NBA, King notes. Al Horford and Luke Kornet are impending free agents, while Derrick White is set to earn $28.1 million in 2025-26.
However, the Celtics aren't expected to trade a starter in a salary dump, per King. They'll likely attempt to add young pieces to build around their current core, or what remains of it next season.
Boston won 60-plus games for the second straight campaign in 2024-25. However, the Celtics failed to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, losing to the New York Knicks in six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
