25.06.2025 02:53
The Boston Celtics initiated a significant roster overhaul on Tuesday, culminating in a three-team trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. This dramatic move, reported by ESPN citing league sources, followed closely on the heels of another major trade, the previous day's deal that saw Jrue Holiday head to the Portland Trail Blazers. The whirlwind of activity underscores a strategic shift in Boston's approach to the upcoming season.
This multifaceted trade, involving Atlanta and Brooklyn, also netted the Celtics veteran forward Georges Niang and additional second-round draft picks. While the Celtics lost two starting players, the acquisition of Niang and the draft picks suggests a calculated move toward financial flexibility. This restructuring reflects President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens' assessment that, given Jayson Tatum's significant injury, a period of rebuilding and payroll management is the most prudent course.
Tatum's devastating right Achilles tendon rupture, suffered during Game 4 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, has cast a long shadow over the franchise. Expected to miss a substantial portion, if not all, of the 2025-26 season, Tatum's absence leaves a considerable gap in the Celtics' lineup and significantly impacts their salary cap. He is owed a substantial $54 million for the upcoming season, the first year of his massive five-year, $313.9 million extension. Similarly, Jrue Holiday's departure leaves a large financial footprint with three years and $103 million remaining on his contract.
The Celtics' bold moves, driven by Tatum's injury and the resulting financial implications, signal a clear intention to reassess and reposition themselves for future competitiveness. The Eastern Conference, already fiercely contested, now looks even more open without one of its star players sidelined for a significant duration. The coming season will be a critical test of Boston's strategic vision and ability to adapt in the face of unexpected adversity.
