Will the Celtics’ Championship Core Survive New Ownership?
The Boston Celtics are once again among the NBA’s elite, but looming financial concerns could force major changes to the team’s championship-winning roster. With the Grousbeck family preparing to sell the franchise, questions are mounting about whether the new ownership group will be willing to sustain the team’s record-breaking luxury tax bill.
A Historic Tax Bill
According to Brian Robb of MassLive, league insiders expect that any incoming owner may balk at the staggering financial commitment currently on the books.
“Boston is currently on the hook for $513 million in combined salary and tax penalties for next season alone,” Robb writes. “Paying that type of bill would be record-breaking for any owner in NBA history, so needless to say, there’s some skepticism across the league that the Celtics’ new boss will come in willing to foot that bill. Just how much the Celtics will need to trim is the bigger question.”
Potential Trade Candidates
If Boston is forced to cut costs, certain players could become trade candidates. Derrick White, the team’s most affordable starter, is set to make $28.1 million in 2025-26. As a two-time All-Defensive guard with borderline All-Star production, he would be highly sought after on the trade market.
Kristaps Porzingis, due $30.7 million next season, presents a tougher decision. When healthy, he’s a high-impact two-way player, but durability remains a major concern. He has only played more than 57 games once since the 2017-18 season and missed most of Boston’s 2024 championship run. With just 29 appearances in the Celtics’ first 55 games this season, moving his contract would be challenging, but his on-court value makes any potential trade difficult.
Jrue Holiday, who just inked a four-year, $135 million extension, is another question mark. At 34, he has shown signs of decline, which is concerning given that his new deal has yet to even begin. Holiday’s $32.4 million salary next season could make him a trade candidate if Boston needs to shed significant payroll.
The Future of Tatum and Brown
While cost-cutting measures may be inevitable, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are expected to remain the cornerstones of the franchise. Both are locked into max contracts, with Tatum signing a five-year, $315 million supermax extension in 2024. Given their age and production, moving on from either star would be a last resort.
However, Robb notes that keeping Tatum and Brown together long-term could force the Celtics to make tough decisions elsewhere. “The hard questions come this summer as new ownership takes control, but for now, the team has everything it needs to make one last run at full strength.”
A Crucial Window
With Boston firmly in the championship hunt once again, the pressure is on to capitalize before potential financial constraints force roster changes. This season could mark the final ride for the current core, making the pursuit of an 19th banner even more urgent. The new ownership’s willingness to sustain the team’s financial commitments will determine whether this Celtics era extends into the future or undergoes a major reshuffling.
For now, the Celtics have their sights set on another title, knowing that significant changes could be coming soon.
