The Cleveland Cavaliers may be leading the East, but let’s be honest—the Boston Celtics are making the real noise lately. While the Cavs hold a respectable 6-4 record in their last 10 games, the Celtics have soared to a dominant 9-1. In a league, this brutal, slip-ups happen, but when you’re chasing a championship, no matter where you sit, every misstep invites scrutiny. Now, the buzz is growing. Whispers suggest the reigning champions might just hold on to their throne for another year. But in the NBA, nothing comes without a cost.
In the latest edition of The Hoop Collective podcast, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, and Brian Windhorst explored Jayson Tatum and Co.’s unique opportunities. They also highlighted the underlying dilemmas. Thus showing the audience a picture of the potential ‘what-ifs’ waiting for the Celtics. Meanwhile, Bontemps insisted the C’s won’t cut costs if they win the title.
“I will maintain the same thing that I’ve said the whole time. If the Celtics win the title this year, I find it very hard to believe this team will go on cost-saving measures. However, they want to frame them,” Tim Bontemps said. They have a chance to be the first team to three-peat since the Lakers 25 years ago. But, if the Celtics don’t win and they fall short in any way, then “finances will be on the table,” and the impressive pre-season might not come to the rescue.
Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) celebrates with guard Jaylen Brown (7) after a play against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have options. They can cut costs and still dominate. There’s no need to tear the roster apart. As the future unfolds, many scenarios could play out. But here’s the real question—what’s the plan this summer? “If they’ve won two in a row, I don’t think this guy will assume control of the team in July and then say, ‘Yeah, now we’re going to start saving money,’” Tim Bontemps further added. That just wouldn’t make sense, would it?
But financial decisions aren’t the only concern. The Celtics have another challenge brewing—Kristaps Porzingis’ health and the uncertain future of two key stars. Injuries and contract negotiations could shake things up. So, while Boston eyes a historic run, tough choices loom. What happens next could define their dynasty dreams.
Boston Celtics face key decisions with Brad Stevens amid Kristaps Porzingis concerns and others in the mix
There is clarity in one thing: the Boston Celtics are not going to break up the Jaylen Brown-Jayson Tatum pair. “Those guys are staying together,” said Brian Windhorst. But the question arises when it comes to Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Jrue Holiday. “The question is, can they keep Kristaps Porzingis? Can they keep Jrue Holiday, or does he get moved? These are the questions.”
Boston is deep into the second apron, with next year’s roster potentially costing over $400 million, even without re-signing Al Horford and Luke Kornet. But that’s not the real issue. “It’s not the luxury tax bill,” Wyc Grousbeck explained. Instead, the NBA’s new CBA brings harsh “basketball penalties” designed to curb excessive spending.
“Nobody will,” he said, predicting no team will stay in the second apron for more than two years over the next 40 years. Unlike the English Premier League, where owners can splurge endlessly, the NBA now punishes teams beyond their wallets. But, to escape the second apron this summer, the Celtics have a clear path—trade Jrue Holiday. His deal still holds three years and $104.4 million, with a hefty $37.4 million player option in the final season. Moving him wouldn’t just ease the cap strain. It could push Boston closer to slipping under the first apron too.
Jan 3, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, the general manager Brad Stevens has two years left in his $22 million contract. “I would highly advise, and I’m sure this is going to be on the table, that the Celtics lock Brad Stevens up. He is a very valuable piece of what they’ve got going,” Windy suggested the franchise. Brad Stevens has shaped the Celtics from the sidelines and the front office. As head coach and president, he led them to multiple playoff runs and an NBA title. His impact even earned him the NBA Executive of the Year award.
Thus, the Celtics stand at a crossroads. Tough financial calls, Porzingis’ health and contract, and Jrue Holiday’s future all hang in the balance. But one thing is clear—Brad Stevens must stay. With history within reach, every decision now shapes Boston’s next dynasty move.
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