“Obviously, we all realize in our heads what this could mean. This part of the sport – it’s tough,” said Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis on Monday. The team is navigating a challenging postseason, and Porzingis emphasized the need to stay focused. “We have to move forward. He don’t want us to be over here sad and not play our best basketball.” To become the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 playoff deficit, the Boston Celtics will need standout performances from their roster, which has been hindered by injuries this season.
All-Star Jaylen Brown has been battling a right knee issue since the playoffs began, affecting his performance at crucial moments. Porzingis himself has faced challenges due to lingering effects of a viral illness that kept him sidelined for parts of the regular season. Despite these setbacks, Brown remains optimistic. “Get ready for the next one. Get ready to fight. Get ready to come out on our home floor and do what we need to do,” he stated. “That’s the goal. Still the goal. We’ve got enough in this locker room. So, I believe in my guys.”
As the Celtics continue their playoff journey, the potential impact of Jayson Tatum's injury looms large, likely altering how the franchise approaches the upcoming offseason. Currently, the Celtics are over the salary cap, making them a luxury-tax team for the third consecutive year. This situation comes with financial repercussions, including the "repeater tax" for exceeding the cap threshold in three out of four seasons.
The team's projected payroll for the next season is around $225 million, which could lead to a tax bill of nearly $280 million. The combined costs could reach a record-setting total of $500 million. With new ownership expected to finalize a purchase in March for a minimum of $6.1 billion, it remains uncertain whether they will be willing to absorb these hefty tax payments to retain the current roster.
In July, Tatum signed an NBA-record five-year contract worth $314 million, which will take effect next season. Meanwhile, Brown is playing under a five-year contract valued at $304 million that began this season. Given these substantial commitments, the possibility of trimming player salaries may be a strategy that the new ownership will consider this summer. Additionally, Tatum's potential absence for the entirety of next season could expedite the front office's plans to restructure the roster with a forward-looking approach.
As the Celtics navigate these challenges, their ability to perform and make strategic decisions will be crucial as they aim to solidify their position in the league while managing the evolving dynamics of their roster and financial obligations.
