The Boston Celtics entered the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs after defeating the Orlando Magic in five games in the first round of the series.
Soon after, ESPN's Shams Charania leaked news that Boston would “exploring trade options” during the offseason. Moving forward and retaining the same starters and role-players is not feasible for the front desk.
“At the moment, Boston is totally focused on winning the championship. That's the first point: repetition. But I can tell you – the rest of the league is bringing some changes to the Celtics' roster during the offseason,” Charania said. ” Pat McAfee Show.
“Source have told me that the Celtics have been telling me that the Celtics will explore trade options in the offseason. This team – this iteration – is unsustainable for this team. And if the organization changes to this lineup, no one will be surprised from the organization from the players to the staff.”
Boston Celtics are expected to pay $445 million
The Celtics could be the most expensive squad in NBA history. Boston has $445 million in estimated salary and tax penalty for 2025-26. When the lineup is filled in, that number could exceed $500 million.
In July 2023, Celtics star Jaylen Brown agreed to sign one of the wealthiest deals in league history, a five-year super extension worth $303.7 million.
He earned $49.2 million this season and plans to earn $53.14 million in 2025-26 and $57 million in 2026-27. The four-time All-Stars will earn as much as $64.95 million in 2028-29.
Then, in July last year, four-time all-NBA member Jayson Tatum signed a five-year, $314 million extension, the largest contract in NBA history. Tatum’s upcoming veteran extension name includes a $54.12 million salary in 2025-26, as well as a player option for 2029-30, worth $71.44 million.
Since Brown and Tatum are the two highest-paid players in Boston, it may be difficult for the team to retain other stars, such as Jrue Holiday, who owes $32.4 million next season, or Kristaps Porzingis, who will make $30.73 million in 2025-26. Derrick White also plans to make $28.1 million.
Boston can correct its cap situation by separating from Porzingis' expiration agreement. The Celtics won the NBA title last season, although the former All-Stars missed most of the playoffs.
Another possible hat casualty is Sam Hauser, who signed a four-year, $45 million extension last summer. His contract was just under $10 million in the 2025-26 campaign. However, the tax attacks increased the cost of bringing him to the list.
