Celtics’ 3-1 collapse forces offseason questions around Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White
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Celtics’ 3-1 collapse forces offseason questions around Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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The Boston Celticsjust went down in infamy, as they became the 14th team in NBA history to blow a 3-1 lead. They were also the first Celtics team to do so.
With that in mind, the Celtics may look to make some massive changes this offseason to see what they can correct. However, they do have one massive roadblock: they’re just barely under the first apron.
Half their team salary is from two players
© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
The Jays, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, have been the superstar duo Boston has built around since 2020. With 11 All-Star appearances, six All-NBA selections, two ECF MVP’s and a Finals MVP between them, they’re a great core to build around.
They were rewarded with two mega contracts: Brown received a five-year, $285 million extension in 2023, and Tatum signed a five-year, $313 million in 2024.
This created a big problem, though. Now, half the Celtics team salary is being used by only two players. Granted, they are franchise cornerstones, but it still hurts when trying to build a contender.
Derrick White’s downfall makes his contract look bad
© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Derrick White has been a terrific third option in the playoffs for years. However, this year he was pretty much awful, as he averaged 11.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He also had his worst shooting year as well, as he shot 32% from the field, and 27% from deep.
The Celtics gave White a four-year, $118 million extension, and so far, it’s looking like it’s going to age poorly. Especially when it’s one of the main reasons why they can’t make meaningful changes to their roster.
What may happen
© David Butler II-Imagn Images
There are two things that could happen due to this conundrum: One, the Celtics just run back relatively the same roster with a healthy Jayson Tatum, after he rushed back to play this season.
The other option is more drastic. They could look to offload White somehow, or create a blockbuster involving him and Jaylen Brown to land a bunch of stars. Either way, the Celtics’ time as perennial Finals contenders is not over. They will be ready next year to finish the mission, and will be hungry to win.
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