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Celtics Face Offseason Roster Overhaul to Address Historic $500M Payroll

Boston is expected to explore trades involving Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday while preserving its championship core under a more restrictive CBA.

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Celtics executive Brad Stevens watches warm ups as Celtics take on Magic in game 5 of the first round playoffs on April 29. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 6: Al Horford #42, Sam Hauser #30, Jrue Holiday #4 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics look on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 6, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE  (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Overview

  • The Celtics are projected to carry the most expensive roster in NBA history, with payroll and luxury tax penalties potentially exceeding $500 million for the 2025-26 season.
  • League sources, as reported by Shams Charania, anticipate Boston will pursue offseason trades to address financial constraints imposed by the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement.
  • Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday are seen as likely trade candidates due to their large contracts and expiring deals, despite their significant contributions to the team.
  • Boston’s ownership transition to Bill Chisholm has heightened the focus on financial sustainability, aligning with the CBA’s harsher penalties for exceeding the second luxury tax apron.
  • The Celtics aim to retain their championship-contending core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White while potentially integrating cost-controlled players like rookie Baylor Scheierman.