The Boston Celtics have been in cost-cutting mode this offseason, and they may not be done trimming their payroll.
Facing severe financial constraints and second-apron penalties, the Celtics traded away two key pieces from their 2024 title run in June. Jrue Holiday was sent to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons, while Kristaps Porzingis was dealt to the Atlanta Hawks in a salary dump that brought in Georges Niang and a second-round pick. Al Horford is also expected to walk in free agency.
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Now, Boston could look to make another trade this summer to clear more cap space, according to SI.com.
Here’s the proposed trade:
Celtics receive: DeMar DeRozan, Keon Ellis, 2026 second-round pick (BOS via ATL), 2029 second-round pick (ATL via CLE), 2032 second-round pick swap (via ATL)
Hawks receive: Sam Hauser and Terence Davis
Kings receive: Anfernee Simons, Georges Niang, 2027 first-round pick (via BOS)
DeRozan is an extremely talented player who has remained productive in the latter stages of his career, averaging 22.2 points, 4.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game in 77 regular-season appearances during 2024-25. The six-time All-Star could help the team stay competitive while Jayson Tatum recovers from a torn right Achilles tendon, which he suffered in Boston’s second-round playoff loss to the Knicks.
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MORE: NBA writer calls Celtics’ offseason a ‘bummer’ amid retooling effort
Ellis is on a cost-effective yet expiring deal. The Celtics could attempt to keep him in Boston on a long-term pact, which would make trading away a first-round pick more worthwhile.
While giving up a sharpshooter and member of the team’s 2024 championship roster in Hauser would sting, he’s slated to make more than $10 million in each of the next four seasons.
Either way, it’s unlikely the Celtics will contend for a title this season, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they continue to cut costs and try to avoid long-term implications.
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