Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis. John Jones-Imagn Images

NBA insider claims major changes could be looming for Celtics

By Kevin McCormick | Last updated May 1, 2025 4:43 PM ET

Over the past two years, the Boston Celtics have built arguably the best starting unit in the NBA. While this core has netted the franchise a championship, their days together could be numbered.

Under the new CBA, it has become increasingly difficult for teams with large payrolls to stay together. Based on recent developments, Boston could be the latest victim of these ramifications.

While appearing on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, NBA insider Shams Charania was asked about the Celtics keeping their core intact. He cited that teams around the league are bracing for them to explore trades this offseason.

"I can tell you the rest of the league is bracing for some level of change to come to the Celtics," Charania said. "Sources have been telling me for weeks now that the Celtics will be exploring trades options in the offseason."

"The rest of 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" ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/raA9TDjNiP
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 1, 2025

With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on massive contracts, the Celtics have quickly become an expensive roster. This is not even counting guys like Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, who all have sizable deals.

Looking at the long-term trajectory of the Celtics, Porzingis and Holiday are likely the top trade candidates. Though they are effective two-way players, their timeline is slightly ahead of Tatum and Brown's. Not to mention Porzingis' lengthy injury history.

Since coming to the Celtics, White has been one of the best role players in the league. He's proven he can thrive playing off Boston's star duo, so they shouldn't be in any rush to move him.

Parting with Holiday would also clear a spot in the backcourt, paving the way for Payton Pritchard to play a bigger role. Fresh off a Sixth Man of the Year campaign, the young guard is ready to become more of a key contributor.

No matter what happens in their quest for a second straight title, it appears the Celtics' roster will look different next season.

Kevin McCormick

Kevin McCormick is a basketball writer for Yardbarker with years of experience in the journalism field. Based out of Philadelphia, he graduated from Holy Family University with a degree in Sports Management in 2019. Since then, Kevin has gone on to build a career in sports writing

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