NBA Insider Reveals $2 Million Reason Celtics Won't Make Splashy Trade Despite 'Hopeful Whimpers'

Boston Celtics officials have revealed the financial reason behind their reluctance to make a big trade move despite some hopeful whispers throughout the offseason. According to NBA insider Sean Deveney, the team is currently $2 million below the luxury tax threshold, and they are determined to stay in that range. The tax has been a primary focus for the Celtics for the past two years, and they show no signs of changing course.

A source revealed that remaining under the tax for the entire 2026-27 season would reset their repeater-tax clock, saving the organization a significant amount of money. This fact has likely contributed to the team's cautious approach moving forward. The Celtics could see substantial flexibility by the summer of 2028 when Paul George's contract could expire, assuming he opts out of the $56.6 million player option for the 2027-28 season.

Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum, who will be 30 that summer, and head coach Brad Stevens will likely be more aggressive in their approach. While the Celtics are expected to remain contenders in the near future, they may take a couple of years to fully commit to another major move.