As of February 8, 2025, the Boston Celtics have been active both on and off the court.
Recent Roster Moves:
Trade: The Celtics traded guard Jaden Springer and a 2030 second-round draft pick to the Houston Rockets. This move reduced Boston’s luxury tax burden by $15.4 million and opened an additional roster spot.
Signing: Following the trade, the Celtics signed veteran forward Torrey Craig to a one-year contract worth $1,062,385. Craig is expected to bolster the team’s wing depth as they prepare for the latter part of the season.
Financial Outlook:
The substantial contracts of star players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have positioned the Celtics well above the luxury tax threshold. Projections indicate a combined salary and tax penalty of approximately $513 million for the 2025-26 season. This financial strain may prompt the organization’s new ownership to consider strategic roster adjustments to manage costs.
Fan Sentiment:
Recent polls reveal mixed reactions from Celtics fans regarding the team’s prospects. Notably, only 19% of fans expressed confidence in the Celtics’ chances against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a potential NBA Finals matchup, compared to 37% favoring the Thunder. Additionally, the acquisitions of players like Luka Dončić by the Lakers and Jimmy Butler by the Warriors have heightened concerns about increased competition in the playoffs.
On-Court Performance:
The Celtics recently suffered a challenging home loss to the Dallas Mavericks, who were without key players. This defeat underscores ongoing struggles with consistency and home-court performance. Head coach Brad Stevens remains optimistic but acknowledges the need for improved health and cohesion as the team aims to solidify its status as a title contender.