Celtics Eyeing Championships but Braced for Summer Changes
As the Boston Celtics face the New York Knicks in the playoffs,ESPN’s heavyweight NBA insider, Shams Charania, dropped a bombshell. He revealed that the Celtics are exploring trade options this offseason, with numerous league sources indicating significant changes are brewing in Beantown.
“The rest of the league is bracing for some level of change.”
Shams Charania, ESPN
- Current Champion’s Timing: Charania surprised fans by discussing Boston’s potential roster move just as they were set to face the Knicks in the playoffs, with the Celtics already down 2-0 in their series.
- Grousbeck’s Sales and Chisholm’s Purchase: Recent billionaire Bill Chisholm, a true Celtics fan, brought the franchise’s valuation to a record-breaking $6.1 billion, surpassing even the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL.
/apacheon/” poster=”_blank”>Hard Cap Reality: The ‘Apron’ Dilemma
Last season’s collective bargaining agreement introduced “aprons” – punitive measures beyond luxury tax penalties. The Celtics, currently over $199 million in salary commitments (both salaries and fines), find themselves trapped in the dreaded second apron, with harsh restrictions:
- Trades:** No using mid-level exception, cannot receive or send out salary differences, capped at one trade exception per year, and no trades involving multiple players.
- Draft Picks:** Sealed away is the last year of the first-round draft pick that can be traded, and worse, it’s sent at the end of the first round if above the apron for two years.
Celtics’ Salary Cap Conundrum
The upcoming season sees the Celtics burdened with a cap projected above $500 million, with two key rotation players in Al Horford and Luke Kornet set to hit free agency.
Thresholds were surpassed with additions like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, along with extensions for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Tatum’s new contract alone jumps from $33.8 million to $54.1 million next season.
Potential Moves and Untouchables
Porzingis, while highly skilled, has faced injury concerns, and Holiday’s age might make him a candidate for a trade, alongside underperforming Sam Hauser. However, others like Tatum, Brown, and Derrick White seem untouchable.
FAQs
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Q: Who are the Celtics’ untouchables?
A: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White are deemed untouchable.
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Q: What are the apron restrictions for the Celtics?
A: They face harsh trade-related restrictions and sealed-away draft picks.
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for more insights and analysis on the Celtics’ future moves!