The Celtics greeted their soon-to-be owner Bill Chisholm with a win on Friday night as Boston cruised to their fourth straight victory over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.
The Celtics will be away from home for the next couple weeks amid plenty of buzz surrounding Boston’s new ownership group led by Chisholm which will purchase the team for $6.1 billion in a two-part sale that closes in 2028..
Jayson Tatum was among several Celtics who spoke about the looming ownership change in recent weeks. The All-Star spoke to reporters in Utah for the first time about Chisholm’s looming purchase on Friday ahead of scoring 26 points in 33 minutes during the Celtics’ 121-99 victory in Utah.
“Everything you all heard,” Tatum told reporters about what he’s heard about Chisholm via NBC Sports Boston. “He grew up around the area, big Boston fan. He’s proud of what we’ve accomplished and understands what the Celtics mean to the city and the NBA. He wanted to be a part of that and help take it forward anyway he can.”
Wyc Grousbeck announced last summer that the team would be looking to find a new owner during the 2024-25 season but Tatum has not let that looming change been a distraction ahead throughout the season.
“I talked to Wyc a few times,” Tatum explained. “He’s still going to be around and he’s kind of keeping me updated and saying whoever it is, the next group will be great for the organization. I told Wyc, I trust him, whatever is next. I have no doubt about how smooth things will continue to run.”
The sale agreement is not expected to be finalized and approved by the NBA until this summer according to sources, so Tatum and his teammates will continue as status quo in their attempt to repeat as champions. Tough decisions will likely await this summer as a $500-plus million payroll and tax bill awaits new ownership barring some cost cutting moves.
Tatum and the Celtics will get their first chance to play in front of Chisholm back at TD Garden on April 2nd.
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