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End of an Expensive Era
The Boston Celtics entered the 2025 offseason with a harsh reality. After falling to the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs, change was inevitable. The roster, talented but extremely costly, was projected to reach nearly $500 million in payroll for the 2025-26 season.
Compounding the issue, Jayson Tatum suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury and is expected to miss most or all of the upcoming season. Without their franchise cornerstone, the Celtics faced a tough decision. Team president Brad Stevens chose a retooling route rather than pushing forward with a bloated payroll.
Significant Talent Drain
This summer has brought a major shift. Stevens has allowed key players to leave, resulting in a notable talent drain. In doing so, he brought the team’s payroll down to just above the luxury tax threshold, leaving room for future moves.
But Boston’s current situation raises questions. Their front-court depth is thin, and overall defensive capabilities have declined. Without Tatum and a strong supporting cast, the team must begin a difficult rebuild.
What Comes Next for Boston?
In a recent episode of CLNS Media’s “The Garden Report,” reporter Bobby Manning and Michael Pina of The Ringer discussed the team’s future. They analyzed how soon the Celtics could rejoin the championship conversation during the Tatum-Brown era.
The answer depends on several factors, health, player development, and future roster moves. Stevens still has flexibility. But in the ultra-competitive Eastern Conference, that might not be enough without a fully healthy Tatum.
Retooling, Not Rebuilding
This isn’t a full rebuild. Jaylen Brown remains under contract. Younger contributors and future assets offer hope. But for now, the Celtics face a long climb back toward title contention, one that will likely stretch beyond this upcoming season.