The Boston Celtics are entering a projected gap year. Jayson Tatum is rehabbing a torn Achilles, working out six times a week. That seems like a signal that he's pushing to return this coming campaign.
However, it's possible Tatum's return must wait until the 2026-27 campaign, given the timing and nature of his injury. There's also the roster reshaping, driven by the need to regain flexibility.
After consecutive seasons over the second apron, it was time for the Celtics to get below that threshold. Tatum's Achilles tear further incentivizes them to shed as much payroll as possible.