Boston Celtics Face $500M Payroll, Tax Challenges After Playoff Exit

The Boston Celtics face a challenging offseason following their elimination by the New York Knicks and Jayson Tatum's season-ending Achilles injury. With a projected payroll and luxury tax penalties potentially reaching $500 million, the Celtics must consider significant roster moves to get below the NBA's second tax apron, including trading players like Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and possibly Sam Hauser. Despite financial and injury setbacks, insiders remain hopeful the core trio of Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White can be preserved, with the team aiming to build around this foundation while adding young pieces. Veteran Al Horford's future remains uncertain as the Celtics weigh their salary cap situation; he has expressed no plans to retire but is considering his options. Medical experts believe Tatum can fully recover from his Achilles injury, and the Celtics maintain that their championship window remains open despite recent hurdles. Overall, Boston plans to balance cost-cutting with competitiveness, navigating complex financial restrictions under the league's new collective bargaining agreement.