Drawing inspiration from the team-building strategies of emerging contenders like the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, the Boston Celtics must prioritize acquiring younger, more affordable talent, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.
With the league’s new collective bargaining agreement placing heavier financial penalties on teams that exceed the so-called “second apron” threshold, Boston faces increased pressure to manage its payroll more efficiently.
To remain competitive while avoiding those harsher luxury tax implications, the Celtics need to populate their roster with players still on rookie-scale contracts.
Furthermore, when those young players are due for extensions, the team should aim to retain them on deals that fall short of the maximum allowed – a strategy that can offer long-term financial flexibility.
A crucial part of this plan will hinge on the success of their upcoming draft selections.
Holding picks No. 28 and No. 32 in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Celtics must make the most of these opportunities by selecting prospects who can contribute early and develop into reliable rotation pieces, Washburn emphasizes.
Hitting on those picks would be a significant step toward maintaining both competitiveness and fiscal responsibility.
Celtics Notes: Holiday, Luxury Tax, Draft, White, Trades https://t.co/SYR7KrRcFl pic.twitter.com/Hy9JFAN2Iw
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 28, 2025
