Boston could make another big move.
No team in the league has had a more transformative offseason than the Boston Celtics, and they might not be done.
After Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles in the second round of the playoffs, a chain reaction began in Boston. With the Celtics unlikely to compete for a title without Tatum on the floor, next season could simply be a gap year.
Brad Stevens also seemed to believe that, based on his flurry of moves this offseason. Boston traded away championship starters Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis while losing Luke Kornet and likely Al Horford in free agency.
Sure, the Celtics would still like to compete and make the playoffs next season, but dodging the second apron became the top priority as it became clear Boston wouldn’t be in title contention. However, the Celtics are still set to be among the East’s elite when Tatum returns alongside Jaylen Brown and Derrick White in the 2026-27 season.
With the Celtics effectively taking a year off, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz listed Boston as the top destination for Damian Lillard. Of course, Lillard is also coming off an Achilles tear in the playoffs and is likely to miss most or all of next season.
With Lillard and Tatum in the same boat, the Celtics could go all in on a gap year before looking to compete for a championship in 2027. Lillard still has plenty left in the tank after being let go in Milwaukee, but whoever picks him up will need to wait to experience Dame Time.
While that would be a problem for most teams, the Celtics have the luxury of waiting that year and allowing Lillard to rehab alongside Tatum.
Category: Basketball
