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How Boston Celtics can follow in Golden State Warriors’ footsteps after losing key players in NBA free agency

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 9:00 PM ET

The Boston Celtics have lost several free agents already this offseason, and with other Eastern Conference teams getting stronger, expect them to take a step back in the standings.

A year ago, fresh off a title, fans expected the Boston Celtics to be the next dynasty. Instead, the second apron and Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles has caused them to take a step back, with even their playoff hopes in jeopardy next season.

After trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics lost depth pieces like Luke Kornet and are expected to lose Al Horford to the Golden State Warriors.

Their best free agent signing so far has been Luka Garza, which doesn’t exactly scream “2026 title favorites.”

The Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks made moves to get better, and the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are going to remain near the top of the conference. The Celtics, it seems, have been passed up, although not all hope is lost.

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Boston could struggle to make the playoffs

Fear not, Celtics fans, as you are expected to suffer through only one down year. Derrick White is still one of the best role players in the league, Jaylen Brown is an All-Star, and Jayson Tatum, after a year off, is expected to be back at full force.

Kevin Durant did it after tearing his Achilles in 2019, why can’t Tatum?

For now, at least, the “dynasty” touted by writers and media members seems to be a distant memory.

“I think right now they look like a team that could struggle to make the playoffs, let alone be a contender,” said ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.

He isn’t the only one who doesn’t have faith in Boston next season.

“Boston, you said that they may struggle to make the playoffs,” added Brian Windhorst, before offering some optimism. “We’ll see. I think they’re still they still have some pretty good talent on their roster. And the East is in flux. But I would just say that my position on this is they have identified assuming there’s no Jaylen Brown trade coming, which I don’t think there is.”

While the Celtics don’t have much to look forward to next season, they did avoid the luxury tax and should be able to re-tool for 2026-27.

Celtics could take a page from Golden State Warriors’ playbook

In 2019, the Golden State Warriors made the NBA Finals. In the next two seasons, Stephen Curry missed significant time, Kevin Durant signed with the Nets, and Klay Thompson sat out for two seasons. The Dubs went 54-83 during those seasons, missing the playoffs twice.

Then, in 2022, they marched through the playoffs and won their fourth title, capping off their dynasty.

While the Celtics’ current core doesn’t have three rings to brag about, White, Tatum, and Brown, when healthy, are an elite group.

Keep in mind, the Warriors were able to get back on top of the NBA mountain even after drafting James Wiseman, who was a non-factor during their playoff run. The Celtics could miss on a draft pick and add another key player, basically for free. They own their own picks in 2026 and 2027.

“They’re going to have to work to rebuild the team around them,” Windhorst admitted, before providing some optimism. “They’re very good. They’re a championship core. They can climb back up the mountaintop.”

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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