Celtics will trade 'at least one starter' this offseason, per NBA insider

The Boston Celtics are going to look like a different team next year in more ways than one.

For starters, superstar Jayson Tatum won’t be in the fray, as he’ll be recovering from a ruptured Achilles.

But Boston also might make a pivotal trade or two this offseason that subtracts a valuable piece from their championship core that brought the franchise its eighteenth championship banner just a year ago.

Reporting for The Athletic, NBA insider Jay King revealed this week about the Celtics that, “Even if the front office intends to be as competitive as possible next season, the team’s financial position suggests that at least one starter will be traded.”

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Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis expect to be the two names floated in trade rumors the most. Porzingis enters 2025-26 with an expiring $30.7 million salary, whereas Holiday has three years remaining on his deal amounting to $104.4 million during that span.

Tatum is considered untouchable, of course, and although Jaylen Brown and Derrick White aren’t quite on that level, it would be shocking to see Celtics GM Brad Stevens part with either player.

Two other guys who weren’t everyday starters for Boston but did start in many meaningful games for the squad are centers Luke Kornet and Al Horford, each of whom the Celtics are in danger of losing, per King.

“Luke Kornet and Al Horford are free agents and Horford didn’t close the door on retirement at exit interviews,” King wrote.

Horford’s desire to return for his age 39 season may have been dampened by Tatum’s injury, rendering Boston’s contention hopes doubtful for 2026. Kornet might find himself receiving more lucrative offers than what Boston can afford.

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