Boston Celtics Weigh Trade Options and Roster Adjustments Ahead of 2025-26 Season

Time of India

5 days ago

Utah Jazz at Boston Celtics (Image via Imagn)
With training camp inching closer, the
Boston Celtics
find themselves in a balancing act between maintaining flexibility and shaping a roster that can compete without
Jayson Tatum
. The front office has already made a quiet move by bringing in two-way guard Max Shulga, but the bigger questions revolve around what comes next.
Could the team explore trades to adjust payroll, target specific skill sets, or leave a roster spot open for future opportunities? In his latest mailbag, MassLive's Brian Robb breaks down the possibilities, from potential trade chips to the thinking behind Boston's cautious approach. 'Boston's financial situation for this season makes it much more likely we will see deals reducing payroll rather than adding to it,' Robb noted.
Why a Big-Star Trade Seems Unlikely This Season
Some fans have speculated about combining
Anfernee Simons
and Georges Niang in a post–September 7 trade to acquire stars such as Lauri Markkanen or Domantas Sabonis.
However, multiple factors make such a blockbuster improbable:
• Financial Limitations: Markkanen and Sabonis earn $46 million and $43 million respectively.
• Second Apron Concerns: Even with Simons and Niang in the deal, Boston would exceed the NBA's second apron — something Brad Stevens has made clear the team wants to avoid due to tax and basketball restrictions.
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• Tatum's Injury: With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the season, giving up major assets for a win-now piece may not align with Boston's realistic contention window.
Instead, the focus could shift toward salary-reducing deals rather than adding massive contracts during 2025-26. A more aggressive move for a big name could come when Tatum returns, but even then, it may require moving someone like Jaylen Brown or Derrick White.
Boston Celtics' Athletic Profile: A Potential Weak Spot
Jayson Tatum of Boston Celtics (Image via Imagn)
A reader pointed out that this may be the 'least athletic roster in the league,' particularly in the frontcourt. While Neemias Queta offers some vertical presence and rim protection, others like Luka Garza, Georges Niang, and Xavier Tillman lack standout athleticism.
Athletic contributors include:
• Josh Minott's explosiveness
• Derrick White's elite rim protection from the backcourt
• Jaylen Brown's transition speed (when healthy)
Offensively, Boston's expected pace may mask the lack of athleticism.
Defensively, however, lineup choices by Joe Mazzulla could be more revealing.
Trade Candidates and Salary Structures
With the
Boston Celtics
now below the second apron after the Davison trade, they can combine salaries in trades — a flexibility they lacked in recent years. Still, they cannot take back more salary than they send out.
Potential Trade Pieces
Player
Trade Outlook
Xavier Tillman
Likely a salary dump; could be moved with cash incentives
Georges Niang
Movable if he starts strong; expiring contract makes him appealing
Sam Hauser
Unlikely to move unless the return is strong; on a team-friendly deal
Anfernee Simons
Wildcard; may be traded if it helps long-term cap flexibility
If avoiding the luxury tax becomes a priority, Simons could be the most significant name to watch.
Final Roster Spot Strategy
Boston currently projects to leave its final roster spot open for tax savings, entering the season with 13 healthy players (excluding Tatum).
Depth can still be covered by three two-way players who can be called up as needed.
Possible scenarios for filling or freeing the spot:
• Sign a veteran like Ben Simmons, Kenneth Lofton Jr., or Charles Bassey
• Trade a contract before opening night to maintain roster flexibility
• Waive Jordan Walsh if preseason performance dips (unlikely given his summer league progress)
If Boston does sign another player, trimming back down to 14 contracts before the season starts remains a likely move.
Also read:
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Could Part Ways With $55 Million Father-Son Duo for San Antonio Spurs Young Talent and Pick Swaps
The Boston Celtics Outlook for the 2025-26 Season
The Boston Celtics are entering a transitional season without Tatum, prioritizing financial flexibility over headline-grabbing trades. While a few smaller moves could still be on the table, most significant roster changes are more likely to happen once their franchise cornerstone returns.
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