The Boston Celtics already pulled off one splash this week—but it might just be the start of a bigger shakeup.
On Monday night, the team sent Jrue Holiday to Portland in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. A solid basketball trade, sure—but this move had a clear financial motive. Holiday is owed over $67 million through 2027, while Simons’ deal comes off the books after next season.
The Celtics saved $4.7 million for 2025—and signaled they’re not finished cutting.
Boston Shopping Porzingis to Cut Costs
According to Brian Windhorst, speaking Tuesday on Get Up, Kristaps Porziņģis is “definitely” in trade talks.
“Porziņģis I definitely think that they are in discussions with,” Windhorst said. “They would be trading him for a player who probably makes less money… Look for a Porziņģis thing.”
Porziņģis is on a $30.7 million expiring deal, making him a textbook candidate for a team looking to shed salary or swap for a cheaper rotation piece. And with Bobby Marks noting the Celtics are still $18 million over the second apron, the front office isn’t operating with much flexibility.
That tracks with a new report from The Athletic, which echoes Windhorst’s comments. According to Jay King, the Celtics are still shopping Kristaps Porziņģis, even after Monday’s Holiday deal.
“Even after trading Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Celtics still need to trim nearly $20 million to get under the second luxury tax apron,” King wrote. “The Celtics are still shopping other players, including Kristaps Porziņģis, with an eye on alleviating their salary-cap dilemma, according to league sources.”
That makes the Holiday deal feel like just the beginning.
Boston doesn’t have to blow it up—but they do need to get creative. Porziņģis, who missed time in the playoffs due to injury, might not be part of the long-term solution.
Celtics Weighing Brown and White Offers?
Windhorst didn’t stop at Porziņģis.
He made it clear that Jaylen Brown and Derrick White aren’t on the trade block—but they’re also not safe if the right call comes in.
“As for the other two star players, I don’t think Derrick White and Jaylen Brown are players that they want to trade,” Windhorst said. “Having said that, if somebody calls with a gigantic offer, I think that they would have to discuss it.”
Translation? The Celtics aren’t actively shopping their stars—but they’re listening. Brown is 28. White turns 31 next season. Both are in their prime. But both are also on significant contracts, and with Jayson Tatum likely to miss most of the year after Achilles surgery, the front office has to weigh what this roster looks like moving forward.
Celtics Still a Threat in the East?
Despite the financial gymnastics and uncertainty, Boston isn’t heading for a rebuild.
Even with Tatum out and Porziņģis potentially on the move, the Celtics remain one of the best-constructed teams in the East—as long as they can stay healthy and balanced.
And don’t forget: the conference landscape is shifting. Tyrese Haliburton is recovering from an Achilles tear of his own. The Bucks are in flux. The Sixers are unpredictable. If Boston can retain Brown and White, get solid production from Anfernee Simons, find a serviceable big to replace KP, and stay under the apron? They’re still in the mix.
But that’s a lot of “ifs.”
Celtics Front Office Has Decisions to Make
Brad Stevens isn’t afraid to make the tough call—and this summer might demand it. This isn’t about panic. It’s about precision.
Boston doesn’t need to blow it up. But they do need to trim the fat, retool around a wounded star, and do it all without crashing into the league’s harshest luxury tax bracket.
Holiday was the first domino. Porziņģis could be next. And with Boston’s financial picture still in flux, the futures of Brown and White remain up in the air.
The Celtics are changing—and it’s only June.
