With only a few days left for the postseason, the last thing that a fan would wish for is a front-office drama. Despite the risk involved, Wyc Grousbeck, whose family bought the Boston Celtics in 2002, sold it to lesser-known businessman Bill Chisholm for a whopping price of $6.1 billion. Before we scratch our heads, thinking about the repercussions, the 63-year-old former owner cleared the air with a promising message and also revealed his exchange with Jayson Tatum.

Last season, the Celtics overcame their championship drought with a commanding performance. This season wasn’t any different. Even though the Cavaliers took up the #1 seed, the Boston side is still a favorite to run it back this year. Amid this situation, Grousbeck made sure that the ownership change didn’t affect the team’s rhythm.

Speaking to NBC Sports alongside the new owner, Bill Chisholm, Wyc Grousbeck revealed how he addressed the change to the players and staff. “I’ve actually talked to Jaylen and Jayson and Joe and Brad and said… ‘The people who are looking, these finalists, these very small groups of finalists are all great, and they can all do the job.'” 

Moreover, he went into detail, saying, “I saw them all at practice… ‘It’s okay don’t put it in your mind take it off your mind if you can because you know we’ve got you this is going to go fine and that’s what I truly believe.” The story didn’t end there. Following that, he had a one-on-one moment with the franchise leader, Jayson Tatum.

Grousbeck revealed JT’s assuring words after he made the promise, saying, “They said we trust you. I mean Jayson Tatum literally looked at me and said, ‘I trust you Wyk. Got it.’ And I don’t you know I think and with good reason, hopefully that he trusts me, so everything’s good.” Well, he may have convinced Big Deuce, but what about the fans? Wyc did have a message for them, too.

Grousbeck rehashes his message to Jayson Tatum to convince fans

One of the important aspects of the Celtics basketball is fans. Playing in the loud atmosphere of the TD Garden is a challenge. We can even say that the crowd played a part in restricting Kyrie Irving in the 2024 NBA Finals. So, Wyc Grousbeck mustn’t take the fans lightly. And as a majority owner for two decades, he certainly didn’t take them lightly. 

Speaking in the same interview, he said, “This can be the same one I gave to Jayson Tatum. It’s going to be okay. It’s going to be great. I think we found a… really good guy who burns with the desire to be a great owner and that’s what you want and that’s what you’re gonna get.” 

Grousbeck repeatedly stated how Bill Chisholm loved the franchise like a true fan in the interview. Well, getting a diehard fan as an owner is a blessing. Look what Steve Ballmer has done to the Clippers. He built a state of art new arena for his beloved team. Moreover, Grousbeck isn’t leaving the office easily. As part of the $6.1 billion deal, Wyc will still be the Governor of the franchise until 2027-28, being a decision maker while Chisholm owns the team. What do you make of it? Let us know in the comments below.