In Part 2 of our Boston Celtics offseason mailbag, Jared Weiss responds to inquiries about the franchise sale, the roster’s future, and memorable moments from the title run.
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Jayson Tatum’s benching, Yabu’s resurgence, and more: Celtics mailbag, Part 1
Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for style, length, and clarity.
What about trading Jaylen Brown for Cooper Flagg? Regardless of who the new owner is, paying over half a billion for just one season seems unlikely. A cost-cutting trade will be necessary; the pressing question becomes which player will be moved? In my view, that player is Brown. He is a two-way wing, under 30, and has a long-term contract. The very reasons the Celtics should retain him are also why other teams would covet him.
Given this, who possesses the right assets to facilitate a trade for Brown? The most logical suitor could be the team that wins the Flagg lottery next year. If Detroit or Houston lands the top pick, both rosters are brimming with young talent. Would they consider consolidating their assets for a more immediate impact? — Dan B.
Upon reading this, I can’t help but visualize the look of disbelief on Brown’s face if he were to see this, especially with his NBA Finals MVP trophy basking in the light behind him. It’s somewhat ironic that after Brown achieved a status of untouchability among Celtics fans, discussions about trading him have surfaced due to the team’s potential financial strain.
Kudos to Dan B. for raising a thought-provoking question, despite the boldness of the first statement. With the current structure of the collective bargaining agreement, trading a guaranteed star like Flagg for someone who isn’t an MVP candidate feels unlikely. The Pistons are quite a ways from being a title-contending team. They would likely prefer to see Flagg develop into a more well-rounded player on a schedule that matches their roster’s evolution. Moreover, Jaden Ivey has too much upside to simply serve as salary filler in any deal.
However, let’s set aside Flagg and focus on the Celtics’ strategy amidst an impending change in ownership. The assumption that no one will invest half a billion dollars for a one-season run seems overly cautious. Based on what I’ve heard from team insiders, the front office is committed to sustained success over several years, and Jrue Holiday’s four-year extension strongly suggests that this isn’t just a one-year plan. If Kristaps Porziņģis can maintain his health—which has been a long-term concern—it’s likely this team will remain a top contender for a couple more years. The penalties from the second apron don’t appear to be forcing a retreat before the championship window closes.
The focus should shift to what the ownership landscape will look like in a year. W
Leonsis has expressed his perspective on Monumental Sports & Entertainment, referring to it as a “pre-IPO” company, although he did not indicate any intention of going public. It appears that ownership groups are increasingly transforming their franchises into assets for larger corporations, enabling expansion into various sectors such as media, real estate, and entertainment. The Raptors stand as an exception, primarily owned by publicly traded telecom companies Rogers Communications and BCE.
In 2023, Leonsis sold a 5 percent stake to the Qatari Investment Authority, a strategy that Grousbeck has previously mentioned as a feasible option. The NBA restricts sovereign wealth funds to owning no more than 20 percent of a franchise. A significant aspect of these investments involves stadium rights; however, TD Garden, home to the Boston Bruins, complicates matters. Charlie Jacobs, the CEO of the NHL team, stated during WEEI’s “The Gresh and Fauria Show” this Tuesday, that the Celtics have secured a lease for an additional 12 years with TD Garden. The absence of real estate ownership may pose challenges in positioning the Celtics as the focal point of a publicly traded company, depending largely on the identity of the buyer and how the Celtics align within their portfolio.
It’s June 2025. The Celtics have won the NBA championship for the second consecutive year. Brad Stevens has stepped down, and Jared Weiss has assumed the role of president of basketball operations. The new owner aims to avoid exceeding the second apron. What measures will you take to stay under the second apron, POBO Weiss? — Andrej P.
If such directives come from ownership, the focus shifts from roster construction to financial management. The Celtics currently have around $221 million in guaranteed salaries allocated to seven players for the 2025-26 season, while the projected second apron is approximately $208 million. If they manage to trade Porziņģis’ contract, they could potentially round out the roster with minimum-salary players and remain below the second apron. At present, only the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets have the requisite cap space, which might leave Boston lacking in center depth.
However, avoiding the second apron next season may not be crucial. As a second-apron team this upcoming season, their 2032 first-round draft pick is now frozen and cannot be traded. This triggers a four-year “draft pick penalty” period, during which another season spent over the second apron would push that 2032 pick to the end of the round, regardless of their win-loss record that year. This is designed to…
to inform teams that if they wish to invest in a contender now, rebuilding will present challenges as their core ages.
The second apron could increase annually at a pace that would enable Boston to fall below it by the 2026-27 season, without needing to sacrifice any starters. The Celtics could potentially remain compliant with the second apron after that point and address their draft-pick concerns. This strategy would allow them to begin trading key players for younger talent and prolong their winning window with Jayson Tatum and/or Jaylen Brown.
Ultimately, cutting salary in a year would largely focus on the enormous luxury tax bill. As mentioned previously, it would be difficult for a new owner to gain the support of the fan base should he choose that path. This assumes, of course, that Grousbeck relinquishes his demand to retain managerial control of the franchise until the sale is finalized. Given the tumultuous two-phase sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves, we will see if the Board of Governors approves Grousbeck’s plan when the time comes to endorse a deal.
What are your expectations for Jordan Walsh, Jaden Springer, JD Davison, Xavier Tillman, and Baylor Scheierman? Will any of them break into the rotation for the 2024-25 season? — Matt F.
let’s discuss basketball. It’s clear that Tillman is the one player who should definitely receive playing time next season. The Celtics plan to utilize their entire center rotation for the early part of the season, and Tillman should compete with Luke Kornet for significant minutes. It’s also important to note that Al Horford will sit out back-to-backs, meaning Kornet and Tillman will take the court during those games.
Tillman has the greatest potential for growth this season, as he appeared out of sync last year. A full offseason with Boston should enhance his comfort with the defense and help him understand his positioning on offense. If he can improve his shooting, he will solidify his role in the rotation.
In his lone appearance in Las Vegas, Springer demonstrated increasing comfort with his midrange pull-up and his ability to spot up from three. If he can consistently knock down threes, Coach Joe Mazzulla will undoubtedly find ways to integrate him into the rotation. His exceptional on-ball defense can shift the game’s tempo, similar to how Payton Pritchard impacts the game when he applies full-court pressure.
Scheierman stands the best chance of seeing minutes among the perimeter players in this group because of his shooting ability and tendency to attack closeouts. The Celtics often struggle with poor decisions on offense, so Scheierman’s court vision and spatial awareness likely give him an advantage.
Davison has shown enough improvement to potentially surprise during training camp. In past performances with the Celtics, he appeared out of sync and had several poor shot attempts. However, his ball-handling pace has progressed, making him look more like a legitimate point guard, especially when he refrains from jumping prematurely when passing opportunities arise. He has also built strength, enabling him to create space by using his shoulder against defenders, which allows him to reach spots he previously had to sprint to.
What is your assessment of Jordan Walsh’s potential, and is there a player you would liken him to if he realizes it? — Scott A.
Walsh finds himself in a situation akin to Davison’s, as his touch is inconsistent, and the pace of the game often feels overwhelming for him. His dribble tends to be too high to evade NBA defenders, leading to quick foul trouble. Yet, when he is on track, his potential becomes evident. He reminds me of Ronnie Brewer—an effective defender who moved well off-ball and possessed athleticism. Ideally, Walsh evolves into a competent spot-up shooter, becoming a defensive specialist similar to Justin Holiday, but with slightly superior finishing skills like Brewer.
What has been the most enjoyable or intriguing aspect for you personally as a team reporter covering the Celtics’ championship win? Are there any memorable stories or moments that stand out post-title? Thanks for your work, I thoroughly enjoy reading your pieces! — Kevin P.
This marked my first experience covering a championship season from start to finish, and interestingly, it felt somewhat anticlimactic. There were moments during the season when it didn’t appear that Boston was the clear
The title is a favorite, particularly during the playoffs. This year lacked the nail-biting suspense that characterized recent playoff journeys.
However, once the final buzzer sounded, a few unique elements stood out. I found it peculiar to experience a championship moment firsthand as a journalist, as opposed to the dramatic narration and close-ups seen on television. As a fan, one might be cheering and jumping for joy. In my case, I was simply observing while a green haze of confetti enveloped the Garden. It felt surreal and almost sterile to be surrounded by nearly 20,000 individuals whose dreams were materializing, while I remained in professional mode.
That night, I brought a rain jacket hoping to stay dry from the champagne showers, but as I entered the locker room, I quickly got soaked, realizing I had forgotten my jacket. Leaving it behind turned out to be fortuitous since the locker room was so packed that it felt like a sauna. Navigating through the crowd was akin to pushing through a mosh pit at a concert.
At one point, a cameraman spun around right in front of me, causing me to stumble into a beer cooler in my effort to avoid the large lens. Before I could regain my balance, a member of the Celtics staff asked me to toss him a few beers. I then maneuvered my way toward the Celtics owners for an interview, but the noise was so overwhelming and I found myself getting doused with champagne to the point where I could barely hear their responses until I replayed my recording hours later. I’ve encountered tight scrums in the past, but that experience was truly chaotic.
On parade day, being on the truck provided an entirely different perspective. From my elevated view, I could see just how vast the crowds were, with thousands of people fixated on us, eager to cheer. My truck was situated between the music float and Mazzulla’s duck boat, leaving my left ear ringing throughout the day due to the sheer volume. Whenever I raised my camera, the crowd would erupt in excitement. It was an incomparable experience.
(Top photo of Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck: Billie Weiss / Getty Images)
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Celtics Offseason Mailbag: Roster Future, Ownership Changes, and Championship Memories
Understanding the Roster Future
The Boston Celtics are at a pivotal moment in their franchise’s history. As fans eagerly await the decisions that will shape the roster for the upcoming season, several questions arise regarding key players, potential trades, and draft strategies. Here, we delve into the Celtics’ roster future based on fan inquiries.
Key Players to Watch
- Jayson Tatum: As the cornerstone of the franchise, Tatum’s development and performance will be crucial. Will the Celtics extend his contract?
- Jaylen Brown: Trade rumors have circulated about Brown. Is he part of the long-term plan, or could he be moved for a significant return?
- Marcus Smart: The heart and soul of the team; his leadership is invaluable. Will the Celtics look to trade him to shake things up?
Draft Strategy and Summer League Insights
The upcoming NBA Draft presents an opportunity for the Celtics to bolster their roster. With several promising prospects, the Celtics must evaluate their needs carefully:
| Draft Position | Potential Targets | Position Needs |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson | Wing, Playmaker |
| 4-10 | Brandon Miller, Amen Thompson | Shooting Guard, Small Forward |
| 11+ | Grady Dick, Dereck Lively | Big Man Depth |
Summer League performances will also be indicative of which young talents could make an impact. Keep an eye on rookies and undrafted players who could surprise fans.
Ownership Changes: What It Means for the Future
The Celtics are undergoing significant ownership changes that could impact their direction. With the introduction of new ownership groups, fans are keen to understand how this will influence decisions on player acquisitions and overall strategy.
Impact of Ownership Changes
- Financial Commitment: New ownership often leads to increased spending capabilities for player salaries and facilities.
- Long-Term Vision: Fresh ownership could bring innovative strategies, focusing on rebuilding and long-term success.
- Fan Engagement: Ownership changes can lead to new initiatives aimed at enhancing the fan experience and community involvement.
Fan Concerns
While ownership changes can be positive, fans express concerns about the stability and direction of the franchise:
- Potential Instability: Frequent ownership changes may signal underlying issues.
- Loss of Identity: Fans worry about losing the Celtics’ rich history in favor of a more commercialized approach.
Championship Memories: A Walk Down Memory Lane
The Celtics’ history is filled with championship glory, and reflecting on past successes can energize both fans and players. Here are some unforgettable moments:
Historic Championship Teams
| Year | Championship Team | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Bill Russell Era | Bill Russell, Bob Cousy |
| 1984 | Bird’s Celtics | Larry Bird, Kevin McHale |
| 2008 | Big Three Reunion | Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen |
Memorable Playoff Moments
- The 2008 Finals: The Celtics secured their 17th title against the Los Angeles Lakers, highlighting the importance of teamwork and chemistry.
- 1985 Regular Season Showdown: The Celtics vs. Lakers rivalry reached new heights in ’85, showcasing the intense competition and passionate fan base.
Benefits of Staying Engaged with Celtics’ Developments
Staying updated with the Celtics’ offseason movements offers several benefits to fans and enthusiasts:
- Informed Fanbase: Understanding roster changes helps fans engage more meaningfully with the team.
- Community Involvement: Fans can participate in discussions about trades, drafts, and ownership changes.
- Anticipation for the Season: Engaging with offseason developments builds excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season.
First-Hand Experience: Fan Perspectives on Recent Changes
Gathering insights from fans can provide a unique perspective on the Celtics’ direction:
- Community Feedback: Local fan forums often discuss how ownership changes are perceived in the community, reflecting both optimism and skepticism.
- Social Media Buzz: Platforms like Twitter and Reddit are abuzz with fan theories and excitement over potential trades and player development.
Practical Tips for Engaging with the Celtics Offseason
- Follow Trusted Sources: Stay updated with reliable sports news outlets and Celtics’ official communications.
- Participate in Fan Forums: Engage with other fans on platforms like Reddit and team-specific forums to share ideas and insights.
- Attend Summer League Games: Watching young talent can give fans a glimpse into the future of the team.
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