The Boston Celtics have been one of the NBA’s most consistent and competitive teams in recent years, built around a talented and battle-tested core. But as the team continues to push for a title, an uncomfortable truth looms large in the background: this may be the last season you see this group together.
Surprisingly, it’s not because of chemistry issues, locker room drama, or a string of fourth-quarter collapses. Injuries haven’t derailed the roster, either. No, the issue is far simpler — and far more unavoidable. It’s money. Or rather, too much of it.
Keeping this core intact has become staggeringly expensive. If the current structure remains unchanged, the Celtics are looking at an unprecedented financial burden. According to projections, Boston is staring down a $238 million luxury tax bill for the 2025–26 season — on top of a projected $227.7 million payroll. That means the tax alone would cost more than the team’s actual salaries — a first in NBA history.
To put that into perspective:
2024–25 season
- Payroll: $193.3 million
- Luxury tax: $53.5 million
2025–26 season (estimated)
- Payroll: $227.7 million
- Luxury tax: $238.1 million
That’s not just a hefty bill — it’s historic. The Celtics would become the first team in league history to pay more in luxury tax than in player salaries. Even the Golden State Warriors, known for aggressively spending to keep their core together, never crossed that line.
So, while Boston fans may want to see this group ride together until the wheels fall off, the financial reality is unavoidable. As much as this core has accomplished — deep playoff runs, Finals appearances, and a consistent presence at the top of the Eastern Conference — the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement has made it nearly impossible to keep high-salary rosters together without severe financial penalties.
Which leads us to the million-dollar question: Who’s the odd man out?
There’s no easy answer. Every player in the core brings something unique to the table — whether it’s Jayson Tatum’s star power, Jaylen Brown’s two-way ability, or the invaluable contributions of players like Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porziņģis. Breaking that up risks disrupting a chemistry that’s been years in the making. But for ownership — especially any new ownership looking to manage costs — swallowing a $238 million luxury tax isn’t just a tough pill to swallow, it’s almost unthinkable.
Fans might not want to hear it, but logic suggests change is coming. Someone will have to be sacrificed to lighten the financial load. Whether it’s through a trade, restructuring contracts, or letting key players walk in free agency, the front office is going to have to make a hard decision.
So enjoy this version of the Celtics while you can. Because unless something changes drastically — and quickly — we may be witnessing the final chapter of one of the most talented cores in franchise history.