After a tough playoff exit in 2025 and losing star player Jayson Tatum to a serious injury, Celtics president Brad Stevens delivered a blunt message to the team: they needed to slash payroll to avoid hefty luxury tax penalties. Major roster moves are likely coming as Boston faces financial constraints and a challenging rebuild.

Editor’s Note: The Celtics are at a crossroads—balancing financial reality with competitive aspirations. Tatum’s injury and the league’s punitive tax rules force tough decisions, signaling a potential step back for a franchise that’s been all-in on winning. For fans, it’s a sobering reminder that even storied teams can’t escape the business side of basketball.