Celtics Execute Multiple Trades, Shed Salary to Lower Tax Burden Ahead 2025-26

The Boston Celtics are navigating a challenging 2025-26 season marked by Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury and significant roster changes aimed at reducing payroll and avoiding the NBA's second luxury tax apron. To create financial flexibility, the team traded Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr., a move largely viewed as a salary dump. They also signed free agent center Chris Boucher to a one-year contract, addressing a critical frontcourt need left by departures such as Luke Kornet. General manager Brad Stevens has prioritized shedding salary by trading away key players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and waiving JD Davison, enabling the Celtics to execute more complex trades by combining multiple player contracts. Despite these moves, the team faces a less athletic roster and limited immediate contention prospects, with the focus shifting toward cost reduction and future flexibility until Tatum can return. Additional trades involving players like Xavier Tillman may be forthcoming as the Celtics continue to adjust their roster and salary structure.