Celtics Shed Salary Via Multiple Trades Amid Tatum Injury

The Boston Celtics have been actively shedding salary this offseason to get under the NBA's second luxury tax apron, trading key players Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday while acquiring Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang. Despite these moves, the Celtics have re-entered the second apron threshold with new signings Luka Garza and Josh Minnot, prompting speculation about further trades involving Simons, Niang, or sharpshooter Sam Hauser to gain additional cap flexibility. With star Jayson Tatum sidelined for the 2025-26 season due to an Achilles injury, the Celtics are focusing on maintaining bench depth and scoring, highlighted by interest in waived young sharpshooter Antonio Reeves to boost their offense. Additionally, the team is considering the potential trade of starting guard Derrick White to the Houston Rockets, a move supported by Celtics president Brad Stevens to shed more salary despite fan reluctance, as White's value is at a peak. The Celtics aim to balance financial constraints with competitive readiness for the 2026-27 season, navigating a challenging roster rebuild after their 2024 championship. Overall, Boston's front office under Stevens is making shrewd, sometimes difficult decisions to manage payroll while preparing to remain contenders in the coming years.