2024-25 Boston Celtics: A quick season preview

The Boston Celtics are again firmly in “championship-or-bust” mode this season, with the high financial stakes adding pressure to their title aspirations. Fresh off their 2023-24 NBA title, led by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the Celtics now have their sights set on building a dynasty. But with back-to-back championships eluding all teams since the Warriors of the glory days, Boston faces the challenge of maintaining their edge and avoiding complacency.

Key players like Tatum and Derrick White have been locked into contract extensions, signaling that the Celtics are all-in. Tatum, who averaged 26.9 ppg last season and continues to refine his game, remains the centerpiece of the team. His work this offseason with trainer Drew Hanlen to improve his three-point shooting shows his commitment to leading Boston’s pursuit of another title. Brown, with his ability to attack the basket, complements Tatum, while two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday, with the help of Brown and White, anchors the defense with his elite play and ability to lockdown opposing team’s star players.

However, the enormous cost of keeping this championship-caliber roster intact looms large. The team is projected to face a staggering $500 million payroll and luxury tax burden by the 2025-26 season. With ownership changes potentially on the horizon, including a rumored sale by team governor Wyc Grousbeck, the financial pressure is mounting. The Celtics have the talent to repeat as champions, but anything short of a title could be seen as a failure, especially given the exorbitant cost of their roster.

The team has a total payroll of $206,004,700 for the 2024-25 season, ranking them 3rd in the NBA.

Returning: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Jaden Springer, Jordan Walsh, Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, Neemias Queta, Drew Peterson, JD Davison

Additions: Lonnie Walker (Brooklyn), Baylor Scheierman (Creighton), Jay Scrubb (Orlando), Ron Harper Jr. (Toronto), Dmytro Skapintsev (Westchester, G League), Tristan Enaruna (Cleveland State), Anton Watson (Gonzaga)

Departures: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (Utah), Oshae Brissett

David Butler II-Imagn Images

Robust offensive firepower led by Tatum and Brown. Deep and versatile roster that can adapt to different play styles. Defensive resilience spearheaded by Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.

Potential distractions from ownership changes. High payroll may limit future flexibility. Dependence on core players staying healthy.

Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images

HoopsHype: 1st in the Atlantic Division, 1st in the Eastern Conference

ESPN: 1st in the Atlantic Division, 1st in the Eastern Conference

Sportsbooks: 58.5 projected wins

HoopsHype compiled the consensus win averages by gathering win projections from eight sportsbooks, including FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Caesars, and bet365.