Last summer, Wyc Grousbeck shocked everyone when he revealed his intentions of selling the Celtics. Former Insider Adrian Wojnarowski called it a “massive development for one of the sports’ most valuable properties.” Fast forward to today, Grousbeck has agreed to sell the franchise to the managing partner of Symphony Technology Group, Bill Chisholm. At a whopping valuation of $6.1 billion – Largest ever for a North American sports franchise. But with new ownership also comes a risk of change.

With the team coming off their eighteenth championship and on the verge of a potential repeat, Celtics nation is worried about the new ownership messing up the winning formula. However, Chisholm assured that he aims to build on Wyc’s legacy instead of making major changes, “I, as Wyc said, I want to raise banners. I want to raise them now and I want to raise them in the future as well. And I look at what Wyc has done and what Brad has done and Joe has done and the time is now and they’ve also set the team up for the future as well.”

The new owner continued, “That’s part of the reason why I come in here and we come in here as a new investor group and we’re partnering with Wyc here because he’s done an amazing job. Why would you change that at this point?” Although Bill will take control of the franchise, Grousbeck will continue to hold his Governor and CEO position through the 2027-28 season, as per reports. And the billionaire duo plans on working together toward the Celtics’ continued success.

Moreover, Chisholm highlighted that he understands and respects the history of the franchise, “This is the best franchise in any sport for me. Anywhere in the world. It’s just an incredible incredible team and the legacy that comes with that, and frankly the responsibility too just that I do feel. And the commitment to excellence that the teams had from you know way back in the Red Auerbach, Bill Russell, Cousy, all that – all the way to Wyc and what he’s done and with his group and with the team now with Brad and Joe, it’s incredible.” Of course, Wyc purchased the Celtics back in 2002 for $360 million. During his tenure, they have been perennial playoff contenders and won two championships. And Bill is hoping for similar success.

However, despite his positive comments on NBC Sports Boston, the owner might be forced to take some tough decisions regarding the team’s future due to major financial implications.

Bill Chisholm could shake up Celtics roster amid risk of $500 million penalty

Of course, a major reason behind the Boston team’s recent success has been their star-studded roster. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge, and players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday supporting them, they are built to win championships. However, this success comes at a price. As reported by Bobby Marks, “The timing of the ownership sale coincides with Boston projected to have the largest payroll next year in NBA history.”

Yes, Bill could face major crisis in his very first year as owner because the Celtics are expected to face $445 million in salary and tax penalties next season. That number could rise to $500 million once the entire roster is finalized. Adding to the concerns, the league is reportedly planning on bringing in stricter rules for teams exceeding salary cap. Marks continued, “Every $3M that Boston spends on a free agent could cost an additional $25M.”

So, Chisholm might be forced to make some tough cuts – potentially Al Horford and Jaylen Brown. Well, Horford is in the final year of his contract and will enter free agency this summer. Although he has been a huge asset to the team, Bill needs to decide if the 38-year-old is worth offering an extension and increasing tax penalty. Meanwhile, Brown’s $285 million contract could also create problems for the team. During The Bill Simmons Podcast, the host’s father highlighted the concern, “If they don’t have deep enough pockets, Brown’s probably on his way out the door.” However, letting go of a superstar like JB, who is the reigning Finals MVP, is no easy decision.

While this dilemma turns into a priority, Bill has put a hold on his potential plan of relocating the Celtics to a new arena. Talking about TD Garden’s significance, he said, “No, I really haven’t put much thought into that. I mean there’s a lot, there have been a lot of banners raised in that location that the Celtics are in right now. So, that’s a pretty important part of the history. We’ll get to thinking about that but it’s also a decision that’s down the road. But that will be down the road.” With so many crucial decisions to make, it will be interesting to see what the Celtics’ future looks like under Bill Chisholm. Thoughts?