Celtics Trade Multiple Players, Clear Salary Cap Ahead NBA Season

The Boston Celtics have actively managed their roster and salary cap ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season by trading high-salary players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, and acquiring younger, cost-effective talent such as rookie R.J. Luis Jr., who impressed in college but may face injury setbacks. Despite these moves, their frontcourt remains a concern, with key players like Luke Kornet and Al Horford departing and others like Georges Niang and Xavier Tillman potentially being traded to maintain cap flexibility. Derrick White has emerged as a vital all-around player for the Celtics, significantly contributing to their 2024 championship run with strong offensive and defensive performances, and is regarded as one of the NBA's most underrated players since 2020. However, White has also attracted trade interest, with the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly considering a blockbuster deal to acquire him to bolster their backcourt alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Meanwhile, Anfernee Simons, another high-salary acquisition, may become a trade candidate as the Celtics aim to reduce their luxury tax burden, despite his strong scoring and playmaking ability. Overall, the Celtics face a challenging offseason balancing salary cap management, potential trades, and maintaining competitiveness, particularly with uncertainties in their frontcourt and key players possibly on the move.