A legendary program known for its history, Hall of Fame names, championships, and a Leprechaun is headed back to the NBA playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
The Boston Celtics are the No. 2 seed behind Cleveland, but is there a shakeup coming for the organization?
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Boston is the defending champions of the NBA and a dynamic duo made it happen last year.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, at ages 27 and 28 respectively, are two of the best young players in the league. Brown earned Most Valuable Player honors in the NBA Finals, while Tatum — a six-time NBA All-Star — averaged 25 points and 6.3 assists per game in the playoffs. Tatum leads the team in scoring (27.1 ppg), rebounding (8.7), and assists (5.9) per game. Brown comes in with 22.8 points, 6.1 boards, 4.7 assists, and a team-high 1.3 steals per matchup. Boston wants to see another NBA title return to the TD Garden; however, would it come with the front office splitting up a duo? According to Sports Illustrated for Boston, Bill Simmons — a podcaster and sportswriter — had his father on The Bill Simmons Podcast to discuss the Celtics’ possible future.
Per the report, the elder Simmons said Boston’s new ownership could do what the Dallas Mavericks did in moving off Luka Doncic in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. Tatum signed a five-year deal worth $313 million after guiding the Celtics to a championship. His cap hit and guaranteed cash for the 2025-26 season is a little over $54 million. Brown also pocketed a five-year contract from Boston worth up to $303.7 million. His cap hit and guaranteed cash for the 2025-26 season is a little over $49 million. Tatum and Brown have the biggest contract on the books and if the Celtics can’t have both, one will be on the move.
Bill Simmons believes Brown is headed out the door if Boston’s pockets are not big enough for both.
Tatum (knee) is a game-time decision for Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. Brown (back) will miss the game.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.
