Celtics at a Crossroads: Tatum’s Injury, Ainge’s Exit, and Jaylen Brown’s $300M Question
After a crushing playoff exit, the Boston Celtics are staring down one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. Their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum, is now sidelined with a ruptured Achilles, and the front office has been rocked by the departure of longtime executive Austin Ainge, who is heading to the Utah Jazz. But the biggest question looming over Boston? What to do with Jaylen Brown and his $300 million contract.
Big implications here: Austin Ainge’s departure leaves a big void in the Celtics’ front office decision-making apparatus with the draft just a few weeks away.
Sources say Austin will be the #1 decision-maker in Utah. https://t.co/rrhOTXJc3z
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) June 2, 2025
With the team facing serious luxury tax complications, trading Brown could be the key to unlocking flexibility. While his regular season stats—22.2 points and 4.5 assists—suggest he’s a vital contributor, critics argue that the contract outweighs the value. NBA legend Charles Oakley recently stirred the pot, claiming, “For a guy who get paid $300 million, he should be a top 10 player in the league. I don’t think he a top 30 player in the league.”
While Boston hasn’t given any official indication of moving Brown, salary cap realities may force their hand. The franchise needs a refresh, and big contracts like Brown’s, Kristaps Porziņģis’ ($30M), and Jrue Holiday’s ($134.4M extension) are heavy burdens under the new collective bargaining agreement.
Porziņģis had a forgettable postseason, struggling with illness and failing to deliver in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Meanwhile, Al Horford, though still productive at age 38, carries a $19 million expiring deal that may not be renewed. In total, it leaves Boston with a bloated payroll and limited maneuverability.
There’s growing speculation that Holiday, not Brown, could be the first domino to fall. Reports suggest Dallas is eyeing the defensive stalwart, which could allow the Celtics to cut costs while retaining Brown’s services—at least for now. But in a league driven by titles, sentiment may not save anyone.
To make matters more uncertain, ownership is also shifting hands to Bill Chisholm. With a new vision likely to take shape, no one on the roster can feel entirely safe.
Austin Ainge’s exit just weeks before the NBA Draft compounds the pressure. After nearly two decades with the organization, his absence could leave a strategic void. Celtics writer Noa Dalzell remarked on social media that his departure could “leave a big void in the Celtics’ front office decision-making apparatus.”
As Boston prepares for what could be a transformative summer, the Celtics will need to make bold, strategic moves—not just to recover from a disappointing season, but to remain contenders in a rapidly shifting Eastern Conference.
Whether that means trading Jaylen Brown, letting go of aging veterans, or reshaping their front office, one thing is clear: Boston can’t afford to stay still.