The Boston Celtics are experiencing a whirlwind of emotions following their recent playoff exit. President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevens, acknowledges that there are numerous questions to address as the team approaches an offseason filled with significant challenges, some of which were anticipated, while others came as a surprise.

“I know there will be a lot of questions about what’s next,” Stevens expressed in a recent press conference. “Ultimately, our focus remains on finding the best way to compete for championships.”

Contending for titles is now more difficult for the Celtics during the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown era, particularly under Stevens’ leadership. The team is currently facing two major challenges: Tatum’s expected absence for the next season due to a torn Achilles tendon suffered in a playoff matchup against the New York Knicks, and the necessity for significant roster adjustments amidst financial restrictions.

Nick Wright from Fox Sports commented on the situation, stating, “The next time Jayson Tatum plays — if we’re assuming he will miss all of 2025 — the team will look very different.”

With a projected salary approaching $225 million for the upcoming season and tax implications that could total around $280 million, the combined financial burden of approximately $500 million would set a record under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The impact of a new ownership group, which purchased the team for at least $6.1 billion in March, adds to the uncertainty around whether they will continue to incur these steep penalties. Should they opt to reduce their financial obligations, they may need to relinquish multiple players from their championship roster.

Wright added, “If I were a Celtics supporter, I would hope that next time Jayson Tatum is back on the court, he still has Jaylen Brown and Derrick White alongside him, though that’s not guaranteed.”

To keep that possibility alive, trades involving players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis become crucial. Holiday’s contract, worth $104 million over the next three years, and Porzingis’ $30.7 million due this coming season, are both substantial.

Stevens refrained from delving into specifics regarding the upcoming decisions, although he hinted that current conditions may lead to shorter championship windows due to the rigidities of the salary cap.

“That’s a good question. I don’t know,” Stevens mused. “It certainly has become more difficult under certain circumstances.”

Towards the future, Stevens hopes players like Brown and Porzingis can return to full strength and play crucial roles next season, especially with Tatum sidelined. He expressed confidence in their contributions to the team moving forward.