Celtics put entire roster on trade block except injured Jayson Tatum

The Boston Celtics are bracing themselves on a major roster overhaul. After the promising season came crashing down after Jayson Tatum's injury in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, the team is facing brutal collective bargaining agreement (CBA) second-apron penalties.

The Celtics can't carry on with all the salaries on board. They must make clear some salary off the books and that starts with putting everyone on the trade block, not named franchise icon Jayson Tatum. That means everyone, including Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, is reportedly a suitable trade away from Boston.

Boston projects a salary–luxury tax haul of around $500 million next season. They stand a staggering $227 million over the cap. To avoid punitive penalties, the team must clear players to dip below the “second apron” in multiple phases. This means even trading out only one single star player may not be enough.

NBA insider Shams Charania said:

“The Celtics will have a much different roster next season… you look at Jayson Tatum, that's the face of your franchise. After that it’s going to depend on what value you can get.”

Holiday and Porzingis seem like the best trade options for the Celtics to come under the limit. While the Celtics guard has three years and just over $100 million left on his contract, the forward will become a free agent next year. As far as Brown is concerned, it's unlikely that the Celtics will try to clear his five‑year, $236 million deal off the books just yet.

Other options include Derrick White, who analysts note as an attractive trade candidate and Sam Hauser, who can be an expendable 3-and-D wing. Al Horford and Luke Kornet reach free agency but are reportedly interested in staying.