After months of uncertainty, the Boston Celtics have finally announced their new owners on Thursday. However, instead of excitement, there are growing speculations about the franchise’s future. As history has shown, new ownership often comes with significant changes. This time, it’s the future of Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, and the others that are at risk.

The franchise has been making headlines, but not for typical achievements on the court. Instead, it’s for a record that most other organizations would rather avoid: a potential $500 million roster. Bobby Marks wrote on X, “The timing of the ownership sale coincides with Boston projected to have the largest payroll next year in NBA history.”

According to the ESPN analyst, the Celtics are expected to face $445 million in salary and tax penalties for the 2025-26 season, these numbers could rise to $500 million when they acquire their full roster. He further informed that the NBA will implement stricter rules regarding the luxury tax starting on July 1. These new rules will impose heavier penalties on teams that exceed the salary cap. Stating an example, Marks wrote, “Every $3M that Boston spends on a Free Agent could cost an additional $25M. Their key free agent is veteran Al Horford.”

This means no player is fully secure. With 11 players already under contract for $225 million, and adding in their first-round pick and two minimum-salary players, the total is sure to rise to a total of $233 million in payroll, which is over $45 million above the luxury tax line.

Al Horford’s contract ends after this season, making him a free agent. As per Marks, if the Celtics attempt to extend his contract, it could come with additional financial consequences. Brown is also in a tough spot. While his five-year extension keeps him with the franchise through the 2028-29 season, his $285 million contract, according to Spotrac, could become a financial challenge for the Celtics.

Before the announcement, there were speculations that the new ownership could lead to changes. On The Bill Simmons Podcast, the host’s father suggested that Jaylen Brown might not be safe. He mentioned, “When (owners) come in from outside of Massachusetts, they come in with … different ideas.”

This naturally sparked discussions about past trades, like Luka Doncic’s that made everyone in the community believe that anybody can be traded. Senior Simmons further added, “If they don’t have deep enough pockets, Brown’s probably on his way out the door.”

Jaylen Brown has undoubtedly been a key player in the Celtics’ success. However, both he and Jayson Tatum are locked into lucrative deals that could compromise the team’s financial flexibility. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if the new owner, William Chisholm, makes some drastic changes in the front office. Until then, the players’ futures remain uncertain.