Celtics Expected to Trade Key Players Amid Luxury Tax Pressure

The Boston Celtics face a critical offseason focused on significant roster changes to reduce their luxury tax burden and prepare for the 2025-2026 season, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury. The team is expected to trade key players such as Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to cut costs and acquire valuable draft picks, with potential targets including Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, who could bolster their big man rotation despite the challenges in acquiring him. While the Celtics are not rushing trades, they aim to maximize return value and financial flexibility, possibly retaining Derrick White and Payton Pritchard as core pieces alongside Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The team's luxury tax bill could approach $280 million, driving the urgency to shed salary and avoid repeater tax penalties. Concurrently, other NBA teams like the Sacramento Kings are actively seeking roster improvements, including point guards, which could impact trade dynamics. Overall, the Celtics' approach blends strategic patience with a necessity to restructure, positioning the franchise for both short-term financial relief and long-term competitiveness.