The Boston Celtics just hit a major crossroads. After falling to the New York Knicks in the second round, they face a brutal financial reality. Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury sped up the timeline. Suddenly, next season’s outlook looks far more complicated—and expensive.
Celtics Predicted to Save $230 Million While Landing New Center
Tatum’s Injury Forces a Hard Pivot
Without their All-NBA star, the Celtics are bracing for a challenging 2025-26 season. The projected payroll, including repeater taxes, will exceed half a billion dollars. That’s a steep price for a team that doesn’t even own its arena and couldn’t make the Eastern Conference Finals.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus proposed a trade to reset the balance sheets. The deal helps the Celtics retool for Tatum’s return while saving the franchise a massive sum—around $230 million.
The Proposed Trade Breakdown
According to Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks are “expected to at least explore” acquiring Jrue Holiday. With Kyrie Irving expected to miss significant time, Holiday offers elite defense and a steady presence until Kyrie returns.
Here’s how the trade shapes up:
Mavericks receive:
- Jrue Holiday
- $3 million trade exception
Celtics receive:
- Daniel Gafford
- PJ Washington
- Drew Timme
- Multiple trade exceptions totaling over $39 million
Nets receive:
- Kristaps Porziņģis
- Dwight Powell
- Multiple players and picks
- Two first-round assets from Boston
The trade wouldn’t finalize until after July 6, post-moratorium. It assumes Powell opts into his deal and the Mavericks are ready to trigger the second apron.
Why the Celtics Say Yes
Pincus laid it out clearly: “Before considering Al Horford and Luke Kornet, Boston projects to have a payroll of $231.5 million and $270.6 million in repeater taxes.” That’s unsustainable—especially with Tatum likely out the entire season.
Shedding Holiday and Porziņģis gives Boston flexibility. Gafford brings energy and rim protection. Washington adds playoff experience and can hold down the forward spot while Tatum heals.
According to Pincus, “Post-trade (and with Horford/Kornet at $10 million), Boston would have 15 players at $205.1 million with a $63.2 million tax bill.” That means the Celtics’ $230 million savings becomes very real—without completely tanking the season.
They’d remain under the second apron, which is a key win. Even better, they keep the door open for Tatum’s eventual return alongside Jaylen Brown.
Why Dallas Likes It Too
Dallas would clear its frontcourt logjam and improve perimeter defense. Holiday provides short-term leadership and long-term fit next to Irving.
Pincus notes, “Once Irving is back healthy and starting, Holiday can move to shooting guard or a sixth-man role.” With the No. 1 pick—presumably Cooper Flagg—already secured, Dallas has breathing room to let go of Gafford and Washington.
The Mavericks would keep cap flexibility and a strong defensive core. Nico Harrison’s focus on building a title team around defense stays intact.
The Nets Make a Calculated Move
Brooklyn doesn’t land a star but gains something valuable: cap control and draft flexibility. Pincus explains, “The Nets didn’t jump to No. 1…instead falling back to the No. 8 pick.” Their best path might be patience.
This trade gives the Nets short-term contracts that help them reach the salary floor. Pincus says, “Getting to that number may not be as easy as it looks.” The Celtics’ offer fits perfectly—no long-term financial damage and plenty of future options.
They also collect additional picks and keep the option to flip Porziņģis later. It’s a rebuild-friendly move.
The Bottom Line
The Celtics $230 million decision isn’t just about money—it’s about strategy. With Tatum sidelined, Boston can’t afford to carry bloated salaries for a lost year. This deal saves them money and keeps them competitive.
For Dallas and Brooklyn, it aligns with each team’s direction. The Mavericks chase contention. The Nets chase draft positioning.
If it goes through, this trade reshapes the future for all three franchises—especially Boston’s.
© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
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