The Boston Celtics are once again in “championship-or-bust” mode this season, and high financial costs are adding pressure to their title aspirations. They just completed their 2023-24 NBA title, led by Jaylen Brown again Jayson TatumThe Celtics are now determined to build a dynasty. But with back-to-back championships eluding every team since the Warriors’ glory days, Boston is faced with the challenge of maintaining the edge and avoiding complacency.
Key players like Tatum no Derrick White tied to contract extensions, indicating that the Celtics are all in. Tatum, who averaged 26.9 ppg last season and continues to refine his game, remains the core of the team. His work this season with the coach Drew Hanlen improving his three-point shooting shows his commitment to leading Boston’s pursuit of another title. Brown, with his ability to attack the basket, matches Tatum, a two-time NBA champion Jrue Holidaywith the help of Brown and White, he strengthens the defense with his high level play and ability to shut down the opposition’s star players.
However, the huge cost of maintaining this championship-level inventory is huge. The team is expected to face a staggering $500 million in payroll and luxury tax burden for the 2025-26 season. With a possible change of ownership imminent, including the rumored sale of the club’s governor Wyc Grousbeck, financial pressure is increasing. The Celtics have the talent to repeat as champions, but anything short of a title could be seen as a failure, especially given the high cost of their roster.
The team has a total salary of $206,004,700 for the 2024-25 season, ranking them 3rd in the NBA.
Returns: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Jaden Springer, Jordan Walsh, Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, Neemias Queta, Drew Peterson, JD Davison
Additions: Lonnie Walker (Brooklyn), Baylor Scheierman (Creighton), Jay Scrubb (Orlando), Ron Harper Jr. (Toronto), Dmytro Skapintsev (Westchester, G League), Tristan Enaruna (Cleveland State), Anton Watson (Gonzaga)
Departures: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (Utah), Oshae Brissett
David Butler II-Imagn Pictures
Powerful offensive firepower led by Tatum and Brown. A deep and diverse roster that can adapt to different play styles. The defensive stability led by Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.
Potential disruptions to ownership changes. A high salary can limit future flexibility. Relying on key players to stay healthy.
Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images
HoopsHype: 1st in the Atlantic Division, 1st in the Eastern Conference
ESPN: 1st in the Atlantic Division, 1st in the Eastern Conference
Sports books: 58.5 expected wins
HoopsHype compiled consensus winning averages by collecting winning predictions from eight sportsbooks, including FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Caesars, and bet365.
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