Big Changes Coming? Celtics Reportedly Eyeing Offseason Trade Options

The Boston Celtics soon will have some important decisions to make.

Although it’s hard to envision Boston breaking up its talented core, with another NBA title well within reach, the Celtics ultimately might have no other choice.

Not only is Boston’s roster absolutely stacked. It’s also really expensive, with the financial ramifications set to increase this summer — with or without championship banner No. 19.

“Right now, Boston is fully focused on winning a championship. That is the No. 1 focus — repeating,” ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania said Thursday on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “But I can tell you, the rest of the league is bracing for some level of change to come to the Celtics, from their roster, this offseason. Sources have been telling me for weeks now that the Celtics will be exploring trade options in the offseason.”

So, what exactly are those options?

Well, let’s assume the Celtics keep Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, their two franchise cornerstones. That would leave Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White as potential trade candidates who make a lot of money.

White seemingly would have the most trade value, but he’s been so important to the Celtics over the last couple of seasons that Boston might deem him nearly untouchable.

Whatever the case, the Celtics — with new ownership taking over — face a tricky situation.

“This iteration just is not going to be sustainable for this team, and no one around the organization — from players to staffers — would be surprised if there are changes coming to this roster,” Charania said Thursday. “Because when you think about the new collective bargaining agreement, there are restrictions that come with trades, there are restrictions that come with freezing of draft picks. That’s all stuff that they’re dealing with right now. They have five players right now scheduled to make $28 million or more next season. That’s a league record. They would have a salary bill of $500 million. That would be a league history amount. And I think the Celtics knew when they traded for Jrue Holiday and they traded for Kristaps Porzingis (that) they’d be staring at this in the face this summer.

“But none of these changes are top of mind for the Celtics now. They can’t be. And this is obviously the most talented team in the league; I think a lot of people would agree with that. So, these are good problems to have. But the league is bracing for some level of change to come to this Celtics roster in the offseason.”

First-world problem? For sure — especially if the Celtics repeat as NBA champions. It’s obviously still worth monitoring, though, as Boston president of basketball operations Brad Stevens plots the organization’s path forward.

The team that takes the floor in 2025-26 could look markedly different than the one currently vying for a second consecutive title.