The Boston Celtics. A first round exit. Two things that never, ever felt natural together.
It has been nearly a week since the Celtics were eliminated from the playoffs. It still hasn’t sunk in for most.
They were booted out far earlier than expected in what many may deem a disgraceful way by their standards.
Boston did what few expected by winning 56 games and finishing as the No. 2 seed in a top heavy Eastern Conference. Entering the season, the Celtics were projected to win no more than 45 games.
Still, the season ended in a stunning first-round collapse against the Philadelphia 76ers, who didn’t even have their best player, Joel Embiid, for the first few games of the series.
Lump that with the fact the Celtics lost a 3-1 lead despite having two of the final three games of the series at home.
An ending like that will turn heads. Changes to the roster feels imminent.
Where Does Jayson Tatum’s Boston Future Stand?
Boston was active last offseason, but instead of bringing in important pieces to help navigate a year without Jayson Tatum for most parts, it went into the season with a purpose.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown drives the ball. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
The Celtics still featured multiple players who were on the roster in the 2023-24 season, the team’s championship-winning year. But the biggest reason why Boston was an elite regular season team was Jaylen Brown.
Brown, in his 10th season, emerged as a surprise MVP candidate while averaging career highs in points and rebounds. With Tatum sidelined, it pulled back the curtain on just how effective Brown could be as the first option.
Either that makes Brown the perfect centerpiece to build around or an ideal trade piece. That’s something the Celtics will have to figure out soon.
According to ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel, one player who will not be in any conversations about moving is Tatum.
“Right off the bat, the Celtics will not be considering anything that involves Tatum this offseason,” Siegel wrote. “He is the face of the franchise, and after returning earlier than many thought from his Achilles injury, Tatum has regained the mantle as the leader of the team.
Brown as a Potential Trade Piece?
So, if Tatum is off the table, where does that leave Brown?
Brown, 29, has suddenly found himself under the spotlight after swirling rumors that he is frustrated with the Celtics. Former NBA star Tracy McGrady, known to be close to Brown, even stated that to be the case.
Brown also made some pointed comments on his live stream, where he called the 2025-26 season the favorite of his NBA career. Many considered those comments to indicate Brown enjoyed being the first option while Tatum was out rehabbing.
But when asked if Brown gave indication he wasn’t happy with the organization, Stevens poured cold water on the subject.
GettyBrad Stevens, Boston Celtics
“We’ve been here 10 years together, and I do think that — obviously I love JB,” Stevens said. “Everybody around here loves JB, and I think — just like any of our other guys, as we get to the end of the season — I’ll be here, and my door is always open.”
If Brown does inform the Celtics he would like to be traded, many franchises will be licking their lips at the potential of acquiring the MVP candidate.
Brown has publicly affirmed his commitment to the Celtics, and the organization has not signaled any intent to move him.
But as we’ve come to understand, things change rapidly in the NBA. Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks taught basketball fans that lesson the harsh way.
Major Jayson Tatum Report Emerges Ahead of Celtics Offseason