The Boston Celtics have failed to advance past the second round of the playoffs since their 2024 NBA championship run.
After their first-round series loss to the Philadelphia 76ers over the weekend, Jayson Tatum was asked if his team’s “championship window” was still open.
“We always want to win,” Tatum responded, via ClutchPoints’ Daniel Donabedian.
“We always want to be competitive,” added the six-time All-Star. “We always have been competitive…It’s hard to win in this league. That’s why nobody has repeated since the Warriors…there’s always been a sense of urgency since my rookie year, and that won’t change. The main goal has always been the same.”
Further to Tatum’s point, the Oklahoma City Thunder are trying to become the first team since the 2018 Warriors to win back-to-back titles.
Celtics Face Daunting Task
There’s an element of sincerity in Tatum’s admission. He knows that the Celtics face a daunting task in the coming years to win the East, let alone another championship.
The Celtics may have the most postseason experience of any team in the East, but their rivals are catching up. This season, young teams like the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets took considerable strides, while veteran outfits like the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers doubled down on their quest to win a championship with notable roster moves.
Furthermore, the Milwaukee Bucks could alter the balance of power in the East this offseason depending on what they do with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Should Celtics Make a Big Trade?
Some insiders believe the Celtics may have to make a drastic trade to give Tatum another shot at an NBA championship. According to Sports Illustrated’s Blake Silverman, the Celtics may explore the idea of moving Derrick White, their All-Defensive star, who played a critical role during Tatum’s absence this season.
“Derrick White as the only player making a considerable salary next year that the Celtics could move,” Silverman reported. “[Brad] Stevens may want to get his future salary—and specifically the player option—off the books to use that money to improve the roster, White heading elsewhere this summer is a possibility.”
The Celtics will select No. 27 and No. 40 (via MIL) in this year’s NBA Draft. Thereafter, they will have to make decisions on free agents Nikola Vucevic (unrestricted), Neemias Queta ($2.7M, team option), Amari Williams ($2.2M, team option), Jordan Walsh ($2.4M, team option), Ron Harper Jr. ($2.5M, team option), Max Shulga ($2.2M, team option), John Tonje (restricted) and Dalano Banton ($2.8M, team option).
ESPN’s Bobby Marks believes the Celtics’ No. 1 offseason priority will once again be shoring up their frontcourt, even amid Neemias Queta’s breakout season.
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