Overview

• Payton Pritchard told NBC Sports Boston that the Celtics’ sole benchmark is winning the championship, not merely earning a playoff spot.
• President Brad Stevens reiterated that the franchise’s North Star remains capturing titles, regardless of recent roster upheaval.
• Boston waived JD Davison and parted ways with Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet to clear payroll under the NBA’s new luxury-tax apron.
• Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles rupture prompted the front office’s aggressive restructuring to maintain financial flexibility.
• Despite ESPN Bet listing Boston with the 15th-best odds to win in 2026, team leadership insists it will compete for a title.