Celtics expected to make another move to save $4 million heading into season

Jon Conahan

Celtics expected to make another move to save $4 million heading into season image

Throughout the past few months, it's been known that the Boston Celtics want to get under the luxury tax. What Brad Stevens plans to do remains uncertain, but he's had an impressive offseason so far.

If things continue, the Celtics should find themselves in a spot to do just that. Ultimately, Stevens doesn't want to gut his entire roster, as he has some outstanding players on it that will help Jayson Tatum when he returns to help secure another championship. 

However, according to the latest report from Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron, the Celtics are looking to make another move. As they look to get out of the luxury tax while Tatum recovers from his Achilles injury, this is the year to do so. 

"While the Celtics have reduced their tax penalty to a reasonable amount, they're likely not done. They are just $4 million above the first apron. Getting below it would free them of several roster-building restrictions," Gozlan wrote. "For example, they'd be able to take in more salaries than they're sending out in a trade and open up to $14.1 million non-tax mid-level exception."

MORE: NBA analyst warns Celtics about tricky Jayson Tatum situation

Remember now, while it might be frustrating to lose some above-average players who helped the Celtics win a championship just two years ago, this is for the greater good of the team. 

If the Celtics can have flexibility next offseason with Tatum healthy, there's a very good chance that Stevens could have the best offseason of any team in the NBA. 

He's continued to prove why he should be trusted, so whatever moves he makes should be warranted in some sense.

Jon Conahan

Jon Conahan is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. A 2022 Penn State University graduate who majored in journalism, he was also a member of the school's D1 baseball team. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Heavy and other outlets. Jon makes home in North Jersey, but also resides in Cape Coral, Florida, for parts of the year. He’s an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Miami Dolphins and Milwaukee Bucks.