The Boston Celtics may lose Jayson Tatum for most of next season, but the roster refuses to lower its expectations. Despite financial limitations and a potentially long-term injury to their franchise cornerstone, Celtics players believe the team still has enough talent to win. The message is clear: Celtics want to contend now, and the players are not backing down from that vision.
Celtics Stars Urge Front Office To Make Moves To Contend Now
Confidence Remains Strong Without Jayson Tatum
The Celtics find themselves in a tough situation. Tatum could miss the majority of the regular season, and the team is already $20 million over the NBA’s punitive second apron. That threshold restricts trades and free-agent flexibility, making it hard to reshape the roster.
Even so, Payton Pritchard expressed unwavering belief in the team’s competitiveness. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year said the Celtics will remain dangerous.
“We will put a good team together,” Pritchard said. “We’ll have competitors, and guys will embrace bigger roles without JT.” Pritchard believes players will rise to the occasion. His message reinforces what’s already clear — the Celtics stars want to contend now, even under challenging conditions.
A Strong Record Without Their Star
Boston already proved it can win without Tatum. The Celtics went 8-2 during the regular season in games without him. In the playoffs, they held a 2-1 record when he was sidelined.
Jaylen Brown delivered some of his most dominant performances in Tatum’s absence. The rest of the roster showed composure, especially against top Eastern Conference teams.
This experience matters. It suggests that with a few adjustments, the Celtics can survive — and even thrive — while waiting for Tatum’s return.
Luxury Tax and Roster Changes Loom
Boston’s finances will force the front office to make tough decisions. The team is $40 million into the luxury tax and faces limitations due to second apron penalties.
Contracts from Jrue Holiday ($32.4 million) and Kristaps Porzingis ($30.7 million) offer the most flexibility. Any of those players could be moved to bring the Celtics under financial control.
Al Horford and Luke Kornet are both free agents, unlikely to return on veteran minimum deals. Shedding contracts may be necessary, but it must not compromise the team’s core identity. Because regardless of the financial situation, the Celtics Stars want to contend now.
A Championship Mindset Still Exists
Holiday emphasized that the desire to win remains. “The opportunity to win is now,” Holiday said. “I want to be part of that.”
That desire runs deep within the locker room. Holiday’s comments signal urgency. The players don’t see this as a rebuilding year.
Brad Stevens Must Decide the Timeline
Team president Brad Stevens remains focused on long-term success, but he has a critical decision to make. Does he try to build a team that competes immediately or wait for Tatum to return and push for 2026?
In his end-of-season remarks, Stevens did not commit to a quick fix. Instead, he emphasized finding the best path forward. He knows the stakes. The goal remains simple: how do the Celtics contend again, and soon?
Tanking Feels Unlikely Despite Challenges
The Celtics are too talented to tank. Brown and Derrick White form a competitive nucleus. With smart additions, this group could easily land a top-six seed.
Still, there’s intrigue in the draft. AJ Dybantsa, a local Massachusetts product, headlines a deep 2026 class. A strategic pivot could net the Celtics a top-14 pick, useful either as a player or a trade asset.
But tanking feels off-brand. New ownership likely won’t support a losing season, especially after winning the 2024 title.
Big Moves Could Still Come
Brad Stevens showed his willingness to make tough calls by trading Marcus Smart and Robert Williams in 2023. Expect more of the same if Boston believes a deal helps extend its title window.
Holiday and Porzingis offer high-end value on the market. If the right offer comes, Boston will listen. The front office must decide how bold to be. One thing is clear: the Celtics’ championship mindset hasn’t wavered.
No Room for Complacency
The 2024 championship eased some pressure, but it doesn’t change the goal. The Celtics exist to win titles. Even with Tatum sidelined and the books in disarray, the expectation is to compete — not collapse.
As long as the locker room believes, the front office owes it to them to try. Because at every level, the Celtics want to contend — and the time to act is now.
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