The Boston Celtics have already given their fans a crash course in the NBA’s new financial landscape - and not by choice. After a summer that saw key pieces like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet shipped out in a flurry of cost-cutting moves, the Celtics entered this season with more questions than answers.
The goal? Get under the league’s dreaded second apron, a new punitive threshold that’s reshaping how contenders build and maintain rosters.
So far, though, the Celtics are proving that they can weather the storm - and maybe even thrive in it.
No Panic in Boston’s Front Office
Despite being $4 million over the first tax apron and $12 million over the luxury tax line, Boston’s front office isn’t rushing to slash salary just to ease the financial burden. According to league sources, Brad Stevens and his team aren’t under pressure to make a move before the trade deadline simply to duck the tax. And that’s a good sign for a franchise that’s currently tied for second place in the East and playing like a legitimate contender.
Let’s be clear: this is not a team that should be making panic moves. Chemistry matters, especially for a squad that’s already been through a major overhaul. Disrupting that now to save a few million would be a short-sighted play - and ownership seems to understand that.
Anfernee Simons: Trade Chip or Core Piece?
One name that’s been floating around in trade talks is Anfernee Simons. His $27 million salary makes him a logical candidate if Boston wanted to clear cap space.
But Simons has been more than just a contract number this season. He’s embraced his role off the bench, provided a scoring punch, and - perhaps most importantly - shown real growth on the defensive end, something that wasn’t always part of his game.
That development has changed the calculus for Boston. Rather than viewing Simons as a financial liability, the Celtics now see him as a potential asset in a bigger-picture move. According to reports, the team is still exploring what his contract could bring back - not to shed salary, but to upgrade the frontcourt.
One notable example: earlier this season, Boston reportedly offered Simons, a first-round pick, and a pick swap to the Clippers in exchange for Ivica Zubac. That deal didn’t materialize, but it shows the kind of targeted thinking Boston is applying to the deadline. They’re not looking to blow things up - they’re looking to fine-tune.
Staying the Course - For Now
The Celtics’ approach makes sense. They’ve got a team that’s clicking, a sixth man who’s buying in, and a front office that isn’t letting the tax dictate every decision. That’s a delicate balance in today’s NBA, where the financial penalties for big spending are steeper than ever.
But Boston is threading the needle. They’re staying competitive while being smart about the future. And if they do make a move, it’ll be one that strengthens the team - not just the balance sheet.
For Celtics fans, that’s exactly the kind of deadline mindset you want to see.