Overview
- NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Jayson Tatum told him he will return this season, while the team maintains no official timeline.
- Brad Stevens said Tatum has made great strides but must clear strength thresholds and complete staged on‑court progressions before any return, and Boston did not seek a Disabled Player Exception.
- Stevens stated the Celtics will explore deals that make sense within their long‑term plan, noting the leaguewide parity and Boston’s ongoing evaluation of its roster.
- Boston is 15-11 with a top-tier net rating in a tightly packed East, enhancing the case for targeted help rather than a full sell-off.
- Financially, the club sits about $12.1 million over the luxury-tax line, with reports pointing to expiring or movable contracts such as Anfernee Simons or Sam Hauser as potential trade pieces.