The Boston Celtics appear to be heading toward a partial rebuild next season, stepping back from their recent dominance as they try to reshape a roster projected to be one of the most expensive in NBA history.
Even if Boston had managed to repeat as champions, it was already likely that at least one of their key stars would be on the move this summer. But after falling short, the situation became even more urgent. Star forward Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles injury during the second round of the playoffs — an injury that may sideline him for the entire 2025–26 season.
While Tatum’s injury doesn’t completely rule out a playoff berth for the Celtics — especially in a relatively soft Eastern Conference — the team’s chances at a title without its top player are slim. And with one or possibly two star-caliber players expected to be traded this offseason, Boston’s competitive outlook becomes even more uncertain.
On Saturday, June 21, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale identified two-time All-Star guard Jrue Holiday — who is owed $134.4 million — as the leading trade candidate.
> “Everyone outside of the injured Jayson Tatum is on the negotiating table as the Boston Celtics inevitably look to trim the $25-plus million required to duck out of the second apron. Jrue Holiday’s remaining contract … is simultaneously the toughest to move and most likely to go,” Favale wrote. “Having just turned 35, the backcourt defensive ace isn’t going to be part of the next great Celtics team. … Holiday will be entering his age-37 campaign by the time this team is anywhere close to whole again.”
Another name to watch is center Kristaps Porzingis, who ranks just behind Holiday as a potential trade piece. Though vital to Boston’s 2024–25 title run, Porzingis wasn’t as effective this past season — partly due to an ongoing illness that affected him late in the regular season and into the playoffs.
Boston’s roster shuffle seems imminent — and expensive contracts like those of Holiday and Porzingis could be the first to go.
