The Boston Celtics' chances of winning next season's NBA title dramatically decreased when Jayson Tatum ruptured his Achilles in the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, leaving co-star Jaylen Brown as the best player. The Duke alum will likely miss the entirety of next year, and the Celtics are now looking toward the future.
Boston broke up the nucleus that won the 2023-24 championship by trading Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday and Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. They received Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks for Holiday along with Georges Niang and another second-rounder for Porzingis.
There's also speculation that they could trade Brown or Derrick White, which The Stein Line's Jake Fischer spoke about on Wednesday afternoon.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7), forward Jayson Tatum (0), guard Derrick White (9) and forward Sam Hauser (30)
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7), forward Jayson Tatum (0), guard Derrick White (9) and forward Sam Hauser (30)
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
"I don't believe the Celtics plan to move Jaylen Brown or Derrick White tonight," he reported. "That's been the word out of Boston since May."
White is under contract for three more seasons before his player option in 2028-29, while Brown is scheduled to hit free agency in the summer of 2029.
Brown averaged 22.2 points on 46.3 percent shooting with 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists this past season, while White averaged 16.4 points on 44.2 percent shooting with 4.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
Boston's trades this offseason shed about $24 million in salary, which moved it under the second apron. That will give the club flexibility with free agency and trades.
The Celtics own the Nos. 28 and 32 picks in the 2025 draft. The first round will be on Wednesday night, and the second round will be on Thursday.