Boston Celtics 2025 NBA free agency grades for every signing

The Boston Celtics entered the 2025 offseason in unfamiliar territory, not just as defending NBA champions, but also as a franchise staring down the harsh realities of financial strain and injury-induced uncertainty. Even before Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens was already preparing for a summer of difficult decisions.

Tatum’s injury, which could sideline him for the entirety of the 2025–26 season, only accelerated the need for a roster overhaul. Grading every acquisition of the Boston Celtics in the 2025 NBA free agency.

Fresh off their 2024 NBA title, the Celtics faced a staggering financial outlook. With Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Jaylen Brown, and Tatum all on hefty contracts, Boston’s total payroll, combined with luxury tax penalties, was set to surpass $500 million. Worse, operating above the second tax apron would have drastically restricted their roster-building options under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Brad Stevens responded swiftly. First came the exit of Jrue Holiday, followed by a trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. These moves cleared the books but left the roster missing two of its top four contributors from last year’s championship squad.

With Tatum’s Achilles tear throwing his 2025-26 availability into serious doubt, Boston pivoted its strategy. Rather than doubling down on expensive veterans, the Celtics reshaped the roster with cost-effective signings and upside plays, hoping to remain competitive while planning for the future.

Celtics 2025 free agency grades

Here’s a look at Boston’s free-agent additions and how each move grades out:

Anfernee Simons, Guard

Grade: A-

The Celtics acquired Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jrue Holiday. It’s a move that sees the team get younger in the backcourt but maintain a lot of talent, but two future second-round picks are not part of the trade. It is now a straight player-for-player swap. Therefore, Boston’s splashiest move this offseason was acquiring Anfernee Simons. The 26-year-old guard brings scoring punch, shooting versatility, and playmaking ability – all of which the Celtics will need with Tatum sidelined. Simons averaged 19.3 PPG and 4.8 APG last season for Portland and will slot in seamlessly next to Jaylen Brown. He won’t replace Tatum’s production, but he’s a dynamic option who can help carry the offensive load.