The Boston Celtics' quest for consecutive NBA championships concluded in disappointment during the 2025 postseason. After a strong regular season, the team was eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals by the New York Knicks in six games, with a decisive 119-81 loss in Game 6. This marked the first time since the 2020-21 season that the Celtics did not reach the Conference Finals.
Compounding the playoff exit, the Celtics face significant challenges entering the offseason. Star forward Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles tendon, which could potentially sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season. Additionally, the team's financial situation is precarious, with a projected payroll of approximately $227.8 million for the upcoming season.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0)
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0)
© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
This figure places them well above the NBA's second luxury tax apron, potentially resulting in a luxury tax bill exceeding $238 million and bringing the total expenditure close to half a billion dollars.
Despite these obstacles, Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens reportedly has no plans to initiate a rebuild. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Stevens has decided against 2025-26 being a gap year.
"Stevens has an idea of what needs to happen and it all starts with pushing through adversity to remain a contending threat in the Eastern Conference," Siegel wrote.
This decision has elicited mixed reactions from fans on social media. Some express concern over the team's direction, suggesting that a rebuild might be more prudent given the current challenges.
"They need a new offense instead of chucking up 3s all game," one fan wrote.
"Better to rebuild now than waste Tatum's prime in a rebuild," another fan added.
"Yeah, not a good move. Team is only going to get worse from here on out with the cap restrictions," a fan mentioned.
"Lmao. This is why I'm not as high on Brad Stevens as you are. Too scared to make a big move. Keeping Jaylen Brown does nothing for this team," another fan remarked.
Regardless of the Celtics decision, they face the challenge of balancing financial constraints with the desire to remain competitive.