When the NBA introduced a new collective bargaining agreement, the Boston Celtics wanted to get out in front of it. They pushed their chips into the middle of the table, acting fast before a more punitive CBA took full effect. The result was banner 18.
The organization doesn't regret the path it chose, nor should it. However, the bill came due this offseason. After consecutive campaigns over the second apron, the franchise needed to prioritize flexibility. That Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles tendon made it that much easier to lean into painful decisions.
That meant saying goodbye to Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis via trade.