Repeating their championship run for a second time, wasn’t that the Boston Celtics’ this season? But four second-round games later, things don’t seem to be in their favor. The Knicks have the reigning champions at a 1-3 record, and only a miracle can save them. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum’s heartbreaking injury has left the squad shaken to its core. Thus making space for their ex-coach, Ime Udoka, to exploit opportunities.
Jayson Tatum’s season ended after he tore his right Achilles tendon in the Celtics’ Game 4 loss to the Knicks. With a brutal crash to the court, the NBA star’s season ended shockingly. The final moments were for playoff glory, but instead, Tatum now faces a long rehab. Now, the Celtics’ hopes rest on an uncertain road with one of their stars sidelined.
Meanwhile, veteran writer Marc Spear informed that, “Even before Tatum’s injury in the first round, there was an NBA executive from another team who told me he expected major change with the Celtics, no matter what happened this season.” So, it looks like months of speculations and rumors weren’t particularly wrong in this case! He further noted: “When you have a payroll with five players making at least $28 million or more, and two superstars making $50 million or more, change feels inevitable.”
Marc Spears on the Celtics possibly making changes:
“The two teams I’m keeping an eye on for a couple of these guys perhaps is one is the Houston Rockets. And then another team is the San Antonio Spurs” pic.twitter.com/6x3QsAf5n6
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) May 13, 2025
Derrick White ($28.1M), Kristaps Porzingis ($30.7M), and Jrue Holiday ($32.4M) from the starting lineup are making more than 28 million. Meanwhile, the two pillars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, are making $54.1M and $53.1M, respectively. Spears also revealed: “I’ll tell you what — the two teams I’m keeping an eye on for a couple of these guys are the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs. Why the Rockets? Ime Udoka is there. They’ve been rumored to want to upgrade their roster, and he knows these guys. They probably would be attracted to returning to play with him.”
To be fair, the Houston Rockets are on their rebuild journey, and given Udoka‘s association with the Celtics, he could utilize his former team’s shaky situation now. Would it be a revenge arc for the 47-year-old no-nonsense head coach of Houston? Well, it could be, who knows! Moreover, the way his journey ended with the Cs, amidst suspension and accusations, it could also play a role in this exploitation campaign.
Now, coming back to Jayson Tatum and his injury that will most likely keep him out of action for most of the next season, it is going to pose a major threat to three of his teammates. Namely, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis. Thus, bringing us back to trade talks, what does the future hold for these stars?
Amidst Jayson Tatum’s season-ending injury, three Celtics stars face uncertainty
Derrick White is going to pocket a cool $28.1 million in 2025-26, securing his spot among Boston’s top earners. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to lead the charge, each raking in over $50 million. Jrue Holiday’s locked in at $32 million, KP at $30 million, and Al Horford will hit unrestricted free agency in 2025-26. All this (likely) adds up to a staggering $513 million in payroll and penalties for the Celtics.
Even if Horford leaves, insiders say he is not done yet — and Boston’s payroll still stuns. With a staggering $464 million for next season, including luxury taxes, the Celtics are staring down a massive financial mountain, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Nov 24, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) is introduced before a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
To escape the dreaded second apron and ease the financial headache, the Celtics have one daring option: trade Holiday, KP, and Horford. For Jrue, his three-year, $104.4 million deal, topped off by a $37.4 million player option, hangs over them like a giant weight. But moving him wouldn’t just trim the fat. It could slip Boston under the first apron, completely flipping their offseason game plan. Besides, finding a temporary replacement for JT would also be a priority for the franchise now.
Sp, now the empire’s wobbling, and the cracks are starting to show. With Tatum out and the money pouring like confetti, Boston’s juggling fire. Old faces like Udoka are circling, smelling opportunity. A few bold trades could change everything. One way or another, the storm is coming.
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