Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury has sent shockwaves through the NBA, leaving the Boston Celtics, the defending champions, without their top player for an extended period. For perspective, Kevin Durant tore his Achilles during the 2019 NBA Finals and missed the following season, later stating it took two years to feel fully recovered.
Tatum’s absence significantly impacts the Celtics’ strategy and roster management moving forward. They were facing a historically high payroll for the 2025-26 season, particularly as the new collective bargaining agreement imposes severe penalties for teams exceeding the luxury tax, leading to skyrocketing costs the further into the tax they go.
Celtics President Brad Stevens and the front office face tough decisions ahead. While the team can remain competitive without Tatum, they won’t likely be serious title contenders, and planning for Tatum’s eventual return becomes crucial, especially as he might not recuperate fully until 2027.
Assessing Financial Cuts
Currently, the Celtics have $230.6 million in salary obligations for the 2025-26 season, excluding Al Horford and other free agents. With the second-apron threshold set at $207.8 million, they are already $22.8 million over the limit. The complex trade landscape, with minimal teams having available cap space, complicates potential trades involving players like Jrue Holiday, who is under a $32.4 million contract.
Player Evaluations
Jrue Holiday | 35 | three years, $104.4 million
Holiday’s hefty salary makes him an ideal candidate for trade. Although his defensive skills would be missed, his offensive decline raises concerns about his value. The Celtics should consider trading him, even if it means relinquishing a modest asset to make the move.
Kristaps Porziņģis | 30 | one year, $30.7 million
Though his injury history is troubling, Porziņģis is vital for floor spacing and rim protection. His unique skill set makes him hard to replace, suggesting the Celtics should aim to keep him unless his contract terms become untenable.
Future Strategies
- Actively seek to trade Holiday and be open to giving up a first-round pick if necessary.
- Consider retaining Horford, even as he approaches 40, due to his importance to the team.
- Be willing to listen to offers for Brown if the trade market for Holiday is unproductive.
- Engage in discussions about a contract extension with Porziņģis, while remaining open to trade offers if negotiations falter.
- Explore options for free-agent signings without exceeding the second apron to enhance depth.
- Evaluate the potential trade value of White but prioritize keeping him unless extraordinary offers arise.
- Assess the market for Hauser and only move him if it aids in financial flexibility.
It’s remarkable for the reigning champions, with a core in their prime, to face such pivotal decisions. A successful organization adapts swiftly, and Stevens along with the Celtics have an essential role that could reshape the league for years to come.
