The Boston Celtics are locked in on Banner 18. But according to NBA insider Shams Charania, even a championship might not be enough to keep this powerhouse roster together.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Shams issued a clear warning: the rest of the NBA is preparing for big changes in Boston — no matter how the postseason ends.
“Right now Boston is fully focused on winning a championship. That is the number one focus – repeating,” Shams said. “But I can tell you, the rest of the league is bracing for some level of change to come to the Celtics from their roster this offseason.”
The Favorites to Win It All… and Then Blow It Up?
Boston cruised past the Orlando Magic in the first round and enters the Eastern Conference Semifinals as heavy favorites over the injury-depleted Knicks. With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday, they might just have the most complete roster in the NBA.
But that strength comes with a steep price.
A $500 Million Problem
Shams revealed the jaw-dropping financial pressure Boston is facing:
“They have five players right now scheduled to make $28 million or more next season. That’s a league record,” he explained. “They would have a salary bill of $500 million. That would be league history.”
That’s not an exaggeration. Based on 2024–25 salary data, these five Celtics are all set to clear that $28 million threshold:
- Jaylen Brown – $49.2 million
- Jayson Tatum – $34.8 million
- Jrue Holiday – $30 million
- Kristaps Porziņģis – $29.3 million
- Derrick White – $28.8 million
Even with the salary cap set to rise in 2025–26, the Celtics are running head-first into harsh penalties from the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) — including potential freezes on trades, restrictions on improving the roster, and even the risk of losing draft picks.
“This iteration just is not gonna be sustainable for this team,” Shams continued. “No one around the organization — from players to staffers — would be surprised if there were changes coming.”
Front Office Facing Tough Calls
Boston’s title window is wide open. But win or lose, this offseason could force the front office to sacrifice talent for flexibility. The Celtics knew when they traded for Holiday and Porzingis that they’d be staring down a financial cliff by summer.
“These are good problems to have,” Shams admitted. “But the league is bracing.”
Celtics Fans, Buckle Up
For now, Boston is chasing another ring — and they might just get it. But the minute this playoff run ends, a second fight begins: one to keep this core together under the crushing weight of cap rules and luxury tax penalties.
Even if the Celtics raise the trophy, this summer could be their toughest challenge yet.