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[Saba Sports News] The Boston Celtics have dropped back-to-back games in their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks, and the alarm bells are already ringing.
With Boston now trailing 2-0 and the series shifting to Madison Square Garden, the pressure is mounting — and questions about the team’s future are surfacing. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst addressed the situation on Thursday’s episode of First Take, and warned that major changes could be on the horizon if the Celtics don’t turn things around.
“This is a conversation I didn’t think we’d be having on May 8 — I thought it would be a July conversation,” Windhorst said. “Next year, their payroll, including tax, is $460 million. If they keep their draft pick, it could top $500 million. That’s the most expensive team in sports history.”
Windhorst pointed to the team’s new ownership group, who are buying the franchise for $6 billion and reportedly relying on multiple partners to finance the deal. He suggested that even if Boston wants to keep the roster together, it might not be financially viable.
“This team has shown it can win 60 games. It might still win a title this year. But if they lose in this round, how do you justify spending $500 million on this roster again?”
According to Spotrac, the Celtics are projected to spend $264 million in salaries next season, with a tax bill of $238 million. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown alone will account for over $107 million. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis will combine for $63 million, while Derrick White adds another $28 million. Veterans like Al Horford ($18 million) and Payton Pritchard ($7 million) may become cap casualties.
If Boston reaches the NBA Finals or wins another championship, ownership might be willing to absorb the historic cost. But a second-round exit could force the front office to reconsider the long-term future of this core.