Tonight’s game vs the Utah Jazz could be marked as the unofficial beginning of a new era for the Celtics. Boston would’ve liked to host the first game of that era, but not everything fell into place. Their wait will be prolonged until April 2, and Bill Chisholm, the new owner, will be at TD Garden to usher in the new era with the fans. The present for the Celtics looks sorted. What about the future? Unknown! With financial troubles (thanks to CBA) looming over them, all eyes are on the franchise and their impending cost-cutting decisions. Disbanding the current crew might be the only decision left for Chisholm, but not if Brad Stevens has a solution. At least that’s what Wyc Grousbeck is suggesting.
Right after the new ownership announcement, ESPN’s Bobby Marks highlighted the upcoming stricter luxury tax rules. “The league will introduce starting on July 1 more stringent luxury tax rules that penalize high spending teams,” he stated. This means there’s no security for the players, as the rise in payroll for all eleven players could push the team over the luxury tax line. And that’s considering the numbers could reach $500 million for the full roster in the upcoming season.
When Grousbeck was asked to address the situation, he said, “It’s not the luxury tax bill, it’s the basketball penalties. The new CBA was designed by the league to stop teams from going crazy. And they decided that it’s not just good enough to go up to the wallets, because then the fans are like, hey, find somebody who could afford to spend whatever, $500 million a year or whatever it is.” Grousbeck spoke about how the new NBA rules impose penalties for teams that exceed the second apron of the luxury tax. These penalties prevent player trades unless the salaries match exactly. Moreover, even draft picks are frozen and pushed to the end of the first round. Looks like the league is indeed taking strong measures to put the brakes on teams that love to spend freely.
The 63-year-old also pointed out that the penalties make it essential for a team’s general manager and president to be highly skilled and fortunate, as staying in the second apron of the luxury tax is unsustainable. That’s where the Celtics can really use their secret weapon. “We have Brad Stevens, the reigning executive of the year. And thank God we do,” Grousbeck claimed. “He’s the one that really brought us this championship with his brilliant moves. I mean, many other people, but Brad is forefront. And he’s looking at this and he’s going to extend our window and make it work.”
Wyc Grousbeck was asked by @TheGregHillShow about potential changes coming to the roster due to the looming luxury tax bill:
“It’s not the luxury tax bill, it’s the basketball penalties … The basketball penalties mean that it’s even more of a premium now to have your… pic.twitter.com/2EK9QosjF0
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) March 21, 2025
Grousbeck has faith that Brad can handle it, but guess we’ll have to wait until July to see what decision is made. Speaking of future decisions, there was also talk about the Celtics’ own arena and whether it’s on track, which led the former majority owner to reveal an emotional connection.
Wyc Grousbeck shares emotional thoughts on the Celtics’ arena
The franchise has long leased TD Garden from Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs. With the change in ownership, Wyc Grousbeck was inquired if the team would consider building their own arena now. “That’s probably not something I’m even going to get into today,” he straightaway replied on the show. “But I will say this: we have a long-term partnership and friendship going back with the Jacobs now 22 years.”
He further reflected that the Garden has witnessed their growth over the years. “It’s been really quite something, and we’ve risen this team to close to the top of the league, like in the top three or four of the whole league, in terms of revenues, based on that lease and that building, because of our fans and because of our team,” Grousbeck said.
So, there are strong emotions attached to TD Garden, as it has been integral to their success. Grousbeck said, “It’s not broken over there, and we have a great partnership with the Jacobs.” He also pointed out the practicality of the situation, stating there’s no room for a second arena in Boston. “But if we ever decide to do anything, I’m sure we’d do it together and have both teams playing there.” He mentioned that if renovations were needed, the arena could be updated, with both the Celtics and Bruins continuing to share the venue.
Having their own arena would certainly be a great move for the Celtics, but their emotional connection to TD Garden is understandable. What happens next can only be determined once the new owner begins making decisions.
The post Wyc Grousbeck Confirms GM Brad Stevens’ Plan to Tackle $500M Penalty After Emotional Admission on Celtics Sale appeared first on EssentiallySports.