Huge Changes Rumored for Boston Celtics Offseason

Earlier this week, the Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic to advance to the Semi-Finals of the NBA Playoffs, winning the series 4-1. However, due to a Shams Charania report, rumors have begun to swirl, and big moves are anticipated in the offseason. The Celtics have an excellent roster of talented players, but it is also very expensive. The organization is already over the second apron, and with the new CBA rules, there will be more restrictions if they stay over the second apron. Many believe the Boston Celtics will make moves to cheapen the roster.

The Boston Celtics Ownership

On the Pat McAfee Show, Charania said, “The league is bracing for some level of change to the Celtics roster this offseason… Sources have been telling me for weeks now that the Celtics will be exploring trade options in the offseason.” This has been well-documented among Boston Celtics fans who have followed the team. Over the last two seasons, the Celtics had been over the second apron, meaning their owners had to pay a hefty luxury tax bill. But before the new CBA rules, the luxury tax was the only obstacle, and the Celtics’ owners, the Grousbeck family, were willing to pay.

Now, the new CBA takes effect, and teams will suffer if they stay over the second apron. Beyond the luxury tax, there would be restrictions on trades and draft picks. This is the reason many believe the Grousback family sold the team a few months back to Bill Chisolm. The new owner will now take on this burden after the Grousbecks built the championship roster, giving out large contract extensions to Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and others to win a title. The Grousbeck family was beloved by Boston Celtics fans because of how much they were willing to spend, and this offseason could be crucial for fan opinion on the new ownership.

Which Players Could Be Moved?

It is increasingly clear that the Boston Celtics need to make a move this offseason. They cannot afford to keep everyone on the current team together, due to the CBA rules. So, who could be on the move? The two names that have been thrown around the most are Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Porzingis is under contract until 2026 and has $60 million guaranteed. His time in Boston has been full of ups and downs. When he’s healthy and effective, he unlocks another level with his size and shooting. However, when the shots don’t fall, he can halt the offensive flow and has an injury-riddled history.

Meanwhile, Holiday is under contract through 2027 with a player option. When Holiday is healthy, he’s brought an irreplaceable championship presence to the Boston Celtics. Even if he is not always a scoring option, his defense and the little things make a huge difference in big playoff games. But he is also 34 years old and has missed time with injury this season.

Out of these two, Porzingis is the most replaceable on the current roster, with other big men like Al Horford available. If Holiday were moved, Payton Pritchard would get an elevated role, and his defense is not on that level. But, given the current situation, other players could be gone as well. Tatum, Brown, Derrick White and Horford should be untouchable, given their long-term contracts, or in Horford’s case, seniority with the team. But with a new owner, anything could happen.

Final Thoughts

This report from Charania has stirred unease within the Boston Celtics fanbase and could make way for a bumpy offseason. But for now, the team is still in the playoffs, competing for a title, and should be focused on that.