BOSTON -- Even before Jayson Tatum limped off the court with a torn Achilles tendon during the Boston Celtics' Eastern Conference semifinals loss to the New York Knicks, Brad Stevens knew big changes would be on tap for the franchise this offseason.
Yes, big spending on free agents and contracts had lured in key players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis who, combined with stars Tatum and Jaylen Brown, ultimately helped Boston capture the NBA championship in 2024.
But keeping the core of that roster intact next season with Tatum possibly missing all of it while rehabbing from his injury would have come with a combined payroll and luxury tax bill of more than $500 million.