Celtics Urged to Take Action With Brad Stevens as Troubling Update for Kristaps Porzingis & 2 Stars’ Future Emerges

The Cleveland Cavaliers may be leading the East, but let’s be honest—the Boston Celtics are making the real noise lately. While the Cavs hold a respectable 6-4 record in their last 10 games, the Celtics have soared to a dominant 9-1. In a league, this brutal, slip-ups happen, but when you’re chasing a championship, no matter where you sit, every misstep invites scrutiny. Now, the buzz is growing. Whispers suggest the reigning champions might just hold on to their throne for another year. But in the NBA, nothing comes without a cost.

In the latest edition of The Hoop Collective podcast, Tim Bontemps, Tim MacMahon, and Brian Windhorst explored Jayson Tatum and Co.’s unique opportunities and highlighted the underlying dilemmas. Thus, they showed the audience a picture of the potential ‘what-ifs’ waiting for the Celtics. Meanwhile, Bontemps insisted the C’s won’t cut costs if they win the title.

“I will maintain the same thing that I’ve said the whole time: If the Celtics win the title this year, I find it very hard to believe this team will go on cost-saving measures, however, they want to frame them,” Tim Bontemps said, emphasizing the team’s likely commitment to maintaining a championship-caliber roster. The Celtics, aiming to become “the first team to three-peat since the Lakers 25 years ago,” have a strong motivation to keep their core intact if they achieve success. However, Bontemps cautioned that if they “fall short in any fashion,” the organization might reassess its financial strategy. “If the Celtics don’t win the title, if they fall short in any fashion, I suspect finances will be on the table,” he added, hinting that the impressive pre-season alone might not secure the current roster’s future.

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have options. Tim Bontemps believes that the Boston Celtics have the flexibility to “make a move to save money and still be an awesome team,” emphasizing that there’s no immediate need to disband the team. Despite the financial considerations that could arise, he noted that “there are a lot of ways that can look as things go forward,” leaving room for various possibilities. The big question, however, is what direction the team will take this summer. Bontemps suggested that if the Celtics have “won two in a row,” it would be surprising for new management to suddenly adopt a cost-saving approach. “I don’t think this guy will assume control of the team in July and then say, ‘Yeah, now we’re going to start saving money,'” he added, implying that dismantling a successful roster for the sake of financial caution wouldn’t align with the team’s ambition to sustain its dominance.

But financial decisions aren’t the only concern. The Celtics have another challenge brewing—Kristaps Porziņģis’ health and the uncertain future of two key stars. Injuries and contract negotiations could shake things up. So, while Boston eyes a historic run, tough choices loom. What happens next could define their dynasty dreams.

Boston Celtics face key decisions with Brad Stevens amid Kristaps Porzingis concerns and others in the mix

There is clarity in one thing: the Boston Celtics will not break up the Jaylen Brown-Jayson Tatum pair. “Those guys are staying together,” said Brian Windhorst. But the question arises when it comes to Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Jrue Holiday. “The question is, can they keep Kristaps Porzingis? Can they keep Jrue Holiday, or does he get moved? These are the questions.”

Boston is deep into the second apron, with next year’s roster potentially costing over $400 million, even without re-signing Al Horford and Luke Kornet. But that’s not the real issue. “It’s not the luxury tax bill,” Wyc Grousbeck explained. Instead, the NBA’s new CBA brings harsh “basketball penalties” designed to curb excessive spending.

“Nobody will,” he said, predicting no team will stay in the second apron for more than two years over the next 40 years. Unlike the English Premier League, where owners can splurge endlessly, the NBA now punishes teams beyond their wallets. But, to escape the second apron this summer, the Celtics have a clear path—trade Jrue Holiday. His deal still holds three years and $104.4 million, with a hefty $37.4 million player option in the final season. Moving him wouldn’t just ease the cap strain. It could push Boston closer to slipping under the first apron too.

Meanwhile, the general manager Brad Stevens has two years left in his $22 million contract. “I would highly advise, and I’m sure this is going to be on the table, that the Celtics lock Brad Stevens up. He is a very valuable piece of what they’ve got going,” Windy suggested the franchise. Brad Stevens has shaped the Celtics from the sidelines and the front office. As head coach and president, he led them to multiple playoff runs and an NBA title. His impact even earned him the NBA Executive of the Year award.

Thus, the Celtics stand at a crossroads. Tough financial calls, Porzingis’ health and contract, and Jrue Holiday’s future all hang in the balance. But one thing is clear—Brad Stevens must stay. With history within reach, every decision now shapes Boston’s next dynasty move.