Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Trophy after the Boston Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

'They Appear Set on Avoiding the Luxury Tax Altogether' – Boston Celtics Expected to Make More Moves, Claims Cap Expert

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 9:47 AM ET

The Boston Celtics have been one of the busiest teams this offseason, as they tore down their championship-winning roster to shed salary. They’ve already traded two of their key starters and one of the players they got in return for one of the starters.

As of this writing, the Boston Celtics are under the second apron. But according to Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron, the team is considering ducking the luxury tax altogether by making a few more moves in the next few weeks.

“While the Celtics have reduced their tax penalty to a reasonable amount, they’re likely not done. They are just $4 million above the first apron. Getting below it would free them of several roster-building restrictions,” Gozlan detailed. “For example, they’d be able to take in more salaries than they’re sending out in a trade and open up to $14.1 million non-tax mid-level exception.”

Oct 2, 2023; Boston, Celtics, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens talks during Boston Celtics Media Day. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

“More importantly, the Celtics are $12.1 million above the $187.9 million luxury tax line, which is impressive considering they started the season over $40 million above that threshold. They appear set on avoiding the luxury tax altogether. Their savings are likely the result, rather than a way to open up more spending,” he added.

Boston Celtics make huge front office move amid $6.1 billion sale

Wyc Grousbeck was expected to remain as the Boston Celtics team governor until 2028, when the news broke about Bill Chisholm’s $6.1 billion purchase of the team last March.

Mar 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck cheers on the Celtics during the during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

However, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported Tuesday that this is no longer the case, as Chisholm will assume the role of team governor earlier than initially planned. Instead, Grousbeck will serve as the team’s alternate governor and CEO through the 2027-28 campaign.

According to reports, the sale is expected to be ratified within the week. Brad Stevens and Rich Gotham are expected to continue running the team’s basketball and business operations, respectively.