The Boston Celtics spent the 2025 offseason restructuring an expensive roster, moving veteran contracts and bringing in low-cost talent after a second-round playoff exit and star forward Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles.
Key additions
Trades:
• G Anfernee Simons acquired from Portland for G Jrue Holiday.
• F Georges Niang picked up from Atlanta in a three-team swap that sent C Kristaps Porziņģis to the Hawks; Boston also received the Cavaliers’ 2031 second-round pick and $1.1 million from Brooklyn.
• Draft rights to C Amari Williams (No. 46) and G Max Shulga (No. 57) plus two conditional second-round picks obtained from Orlando for the draft rights to F Noah Penda (No. 32).
• G/F RJ Luis added on a two-way contract from Utah for Niang and two conditional second-rounders.
Free agents:
C Luka Garza (two years, minimum), F Josh Minott (two years, minimum; second-year team option), F/C Chris Boucher (one year, minimum), and Exhibit 10 deals for F Jalen Bridges, F Kendall Brown, G Ron Harper Jr. and G Hayden Gray (subsequently waived).
Draft:
• 1-28: F Hugo Gonzalez signed to a four-year rookie-scale contract worth $14.3 million.
• 2-46: C Amari Williams signed to a two-way deal.
• 2-57: G Max Shulga signed to a two-way deal.
Departures
C Kristaps Porziņģis (Hawks), G Jrue Holiday (Trail Blazers), C Luke Kornet (Spurs) and F Drew Peterson (Hornets) left via trade or free agency. Veterans F Al Horford and F Torrey Craig remain unsigned.
Cap outlook
Boston’s projected player payroll stands near $200 million—still over the $187.9 million luxury-tax line but below last season’s second-apron level. The reshuffle slashed an estimated luxury-tax bill from roughly $280 million to about $40 million. The club retains the full $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception and three trade exceptions, the largest valued at $22.5 million.
Roster notes
Fourteen standard contracts appear set for opening night; F Jordan Walsh and C Neemias Queta hold non-guaranteed deals but are expected to stick. All three two-way slots are filled by Williams, Shulga and Luis.
What’s next: Team executives could pursue additional cost-cutting ahead of February’s trade deadline. Simons, on an expiring $27.7 million deal, is viewed as the most movable salary if management seeks more relief.
Source: Hoops Rumors
