Change is coming for the Boston Celtics. The extent of their summer makeover is unclear, but it likely includes getting under the second apron.
Doing so will create more long-term financial and roster flexibility. Achieving that could lead to the end of an era. As trade rumors swirl, the gossip includes potentially parting with Jaylen Brown to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo. There are also rumblings about the San Antonio Spurs sending a package of picks and young talent for the 2023-24 NBA Finals MVP.
A less dramatic but still painful approach would be trading some or all of Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Sam Hauser.
What's clear is that as the Celtics navigate Jayson Tatum's franchise-altering Achilles tear and the repercussions of multiple years over the second apron, they'll need options.
There are precious few teams with cap space to absorb a salary valued at $30 million or north, like what Porzingis and Holiday are on the books for next season.
Those teams, like the Brooklyn Nets, might be more inclined to act as a third party. It's a chance to add draft capital as a reward for absorbing a less expensive contract that helps facilitate a three-team trade, sending a player like Porzingis or Holiday elsewhere.
But even if Brooklyn's amenable to that, Boston must still find a suitor for one or more of its priciest players.
A rival franchise could help the Celtics' cause
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Toronto Raptors have emerged as a franchise angling to make a significant splash this summer.
"I don't want to get too far afield from this, but since this has come up, the Raptors are a team that is starting to make noise within the league about looking for a big fish," said Windhorst on The Hoop Collective podcast. "From their initial conversations, teams in the league are getting the impression that Toronto is going to try to do something."
The Celtics' division rival will likely look to acquire a player like Antetokounmpo or make a move more worthy of the "fireworks" description than bringing Porzingis or Holiday aboard.
However, intent and execution don't always line up. Toronto could also become the team to pounce on the chance to add an impactful player at a low cost.
Canada's NBA franchise has the salaries necessary to reel in a bigger fish and land a starter from Boston.
What might a trade with the Raptors look like?
Whether a deal involves Porzingis or Holiday going north of the border, a crucial contract getting rerouted belongs to Jakob Poeltl.
The seven-foot center, who turns 30 in October, is on the books for $19.5 million next season. He also has a player option worth that amount for the 2026-27 campaign.
If a team like the Nets is open to absorbing his contract, it's an opportunity the Raptors must seriously consider.
While the Celtics' primary return would be financial relief, they could also add depth in the form of a player like 25-year-old wing Ochai Agbaji. The three-year veteran will play on a $6.4 million club option next season. After that, he'll become a restricted free agent.
If a deal like this works for all parties involved, if Holiday heads to Toronto, it saves Boston $26 million. The more likely scenario may see the Raptors upgrade at center by acquiring Porzingis. That construct would allow the Celtics to shed $24.3 million in payroll.
Either way, in one move, the 2023-24 NBA champions could dip under the second apron. There must be additional cost-cutting to fill out the roster and remain below that threshold. However, this would be a great starting place.