The Boston Celtics gained an NBA file 18th title final season, and it seemed like the beginning of a possible dynasty. Boston had reached the Eastern Conference Finals in six of the previous eight seasons, together with a visit to the NBA Finals in 2022. Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown—the one two NBA gamers with contracts that would surpass $300 million—the Celtics lastly broke by means of final yr. They entered this season because the presumptive favorites to repeat, and a five-game sequence win over the Orlando Magic felt like step one in that course of.
Only the Celtics have now misplaced the primary two video games of their Eastern Conference Semifinals towards the New York Knicks in alarmingly related vogue. In each video games, the Celtics constructed up a 20-point lead early on and entered the fourth quarter with a cushty cushion (9 factors within the first recreation, 12 factors in Game 2). In each video games, the Knicks tightened up defensively and took the lead late, then held on courtesy of a Mikal Bridges steal within the closing moments.
Boston may have very simply gained each video games if one other play right here or there went their manner. But that did not occur, and now the staff faces an 0-2 gap because the sequence heads to Madison Square Garden. And how issues play out from right here may affect the remainder of the NBA.
Jaylen Brown (7) and Jayson Tatum (0) stroll off the courtroom because the Knicks have a good time their Game 2 win. (Barry Chin/The Boston Globe through Getty Images)
During an episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” analyst Brian Windhorst referred to as out the staff’s gargantuan wage obligations. As of proper now, subsequent yr’s payroll will probably be $460 million (which components in luxurious tax penalties), and that is earlier than any draft picks or different roster additions.
“They’re the most expensive sports team in the history of the game,” Windhorst stated. “That’s what’s on the line…if they don’t get out of this series, I don’t know how you can justify spending $500 million on the roster again.”
Windhorst acknowledged the Celtics have proven their championship mettle, however having the most costly roster in NBA historical past ought to produce a number of titles. If they find yourself shedding to the Knicks, it is going to be a significant disappointment to not even make it out of the second spherical. Then, the Celtics should take a tough have a look at their roster.
Tatum simply signed a $314 million contract extension that kicks in subsequent yr. The Celtics will owe him $54.1 million throughout the 2025-26 season, but it surely’s unlikely he will get moved. Brown is within the first yr of his contract extension, which is value about $285.3 million assured and will come near $304 million. He’ll make $54.1 million subsequent season.
The Celtics may also owe $32.4 million to Jrue Holiday, $30.7 million to Kristaps Porzingis, and $28.1 million to Derrick White. That’s a ton of cash for 5 gamers.
Realistically, even when Boston had been to return again on this sequence and win one other championship, it is unlikely your entire staff may come again subsequent yr. It’s simply not sustainable from a monetary perspective. That’s why one other title is so important to make all of this spending worthwhile.
Otherwise, Celtics followers will see some adjustments subsequent yr—with just one championship to indicate for it.
