The Boston Celtics are now dealing with the fallout from a crushing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Philadelphia won three consecutive games to complete a stunning comeback from a 3-1 deficit, becoming just the 14th team in NBA history to achieve the feat.
Notably, it marks the first time a 76ers team has overturned a 3-1 series deficit.
For Boston, attention now turns firmly toward the offseason and the moves required to re-establish themselves as title contenders.
Boston Celtics Face Key Frontcourt Decision After Playoff Collapse
Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White already account for a significant portion of the Celtics’ long-term salary commitments.
If Nikola Vucevic re-signs in unrestricted free agency, Boston’s financial flexibility could tighten even further.
However, there is growing expectation that the veteran center could be on his way out following an inconsistent spell after arriving in a midseason trade.
Hardwood Houdini’s Ben Handler believes the Celtics should move on from the 35-year-old, pointing to a clear decline in impact.
“The Nikola Vucevic trade was a worthy endeavor for the Celtics,” Handler wrote. “If they wanted to be serious about winning a title while also getting under the luxury tax, they had to upgrade the frontcourt while reducing salary.”
“The trade was a fine gamble, and there were a few flashes from Vooch, but he’s just too old and slow to have a positive impact in a playoff series.”
“If Vucevic wants to be one of those veteran minimums, that’s a conversation that can be had, but anything more should be out of the question.”
Vucevic is nearing the end of a three-year, $60 million contract he originally signed with the Chicago Bulls, earning $21.4 million during the 2025-26 season.
In 16 games with Boston to close out the campaign, the 6-foot-9 big man averaged 9.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, while shooting 43.9% from the field and 34.0% from three-point range.
Those figures rank among the lowest of his career outside of his rookie season in 2011-12.
Nikola Vucevic Struggles Highlight Need for Reset
Vucevic also missed time in the second half of the season due to a fractured right ring finger, but even when available, he struggled to make a consistent impact.
Across six playoff games against Philadelphia, he scored just 37 points, shooting 14-of-37 from the field and 7-of-24 from beyond the arc in 114 total minutes.
As Boston searched for answers at the center position, Vucevic was ultimately left out of the rotation in Game 7, with Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and small-ball lineups preferred instead.
“It was the right decision, and frankly, it took too long for Joe Mazzulla to realize what most could plainly see: Vucevic is washed,” Handler added.
Despite the outcome, Boston did achieve part of its objective in acquiring Vucevic.
Moving on from Anfernee Simons helped the team dip below the luxury tax threshold while adding a veteran presence to a relatively inexperienced frontcourt.
However, with Vucevic earning over $20 million per season, the Boston Celtics may now look to move on, maintain financial flexibility, and pursue alternative upgrades as they reset ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
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