Celtics Lower Payroll, Plan Key Player Trades After Tatum Injury

The Boston Celtics are actively reshaping their roster ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, having already traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to reduce their salary cap and avoid the NBA’s punitive luxury tax. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to a torn Achilles, the team is reportedly considering further moves, including potentially trading key players like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White to acquire lottery picks and facilitate a rebuild. The Celtics' front office, led by Brad Stevens, is carefully weighing offers, especially from teams like the San Antonio Spurs, who may be interested in established players such as Brown or White to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Additionally, Al Horford, a veteran and respected leader, is entering free agency with a robust market, and the Celtics may not re-sign him as they continue to manage their payroll and roster flexibility. These significant changes mark a sharp contrast from the Celtics' championship status just a year ago and underscore the fragile nature of team-building in the NBA. Despite trading key veterans, Boston aims to remain competitive by leveraging their improved salary cap situation for future strategic moves.