The future of the Boston Celtics may be in question with the possibility of an ownership change looming.
The Celtics’ championship-winning roster, known for its expensive and talented core, faces uncertainty due to the potential sale of the franchise.
As the team looks to defend its title, questions arise about whether the current roster can remain intact beyond this season, especially considering the hefty financial commitments tied to several key players.
At the heart of this dilemma is the team’s record-breaking salary and luxury tax bills, projected to reach $513 million for the 2025-26 season.
This enormous financial burden raises doubts about whether the new ownership group will be willing to sustain such expenses.
The cost-cutting measures that may need to be implemented could force the Celtics to make tough decisions about their roster moving forward.
One of the most likely candidates for a trade is Derrick White, the Celtics’ least expensive starter, who will earn $28.1 million in 2025-26.
Despite being a key defensive asset, White is seen as a potentially more affordable trade piece compared to other high-salary players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
White, a borderline All-Star, offers a solid return in a potential trade, especially given his youth and durability.
Speaking of Porzingis, his future with the Celtics is uncertain. While the 7-foot-2 center has shown promise with his rim protection and shooting ability, his history of injuries has limited his availability.
With only one season in which he has played more than 57 games since 2017-18, Porzingis’ durability remains a concern.
If he remains healthy, his contract, worth $30.7 million, could be justified, but his frequent injuries make him a risky financial commitment.
However, his value on the court is undeniable, which could make a trade involving him more complicated.
Jrue Holiday, another significant player in Boston’s lineup, is also facing scrutiny. At 34 years old, his performance has shown signs of decline, and the four-year, $135 million extension he signed with the team is set to kick in next season.
His large salary and the team’s desire to maintain financial flexibility could lead to discussions about potentially moving Holiday, despite his contributions to the team’s success.
The Celtics’ All-Stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, are both locked into long-term contracts, making them pillars of the team for the foreseeable future.
However, retaining both stars could necessitate additional moves to reduce the team’s overall spending.
Given that the current championship core is only in its second season together, this may be the team’s last chance to make a title run with the full roster intact.
Ultimately, the Celtics’ current season is critical. With new ownership on the horizon, the team faces tough decisions that could shape its future for years to come. Whether or not they can defend their title with the current roster will likely depend on how well they manage these financial challenges and roster changes in the coming months. For now, the team is focused on making one last push for the championship with their current core before the potential changes take effect.