Bojin + Brother Zhu? A senior executive: The Celtics must get rid of at least two high-paying contracts, otherwise the luxury tax will be huge

Today, HoopsHype famous reporter Michael Scotto wrote an article about the Celtics.

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The 2024-25 season, the Celtics management knows that considering the team's upcoming salary and luxury tax bills, there may be significant roster changes after the season ends. And as the star Tatum suffered a rupture in the Achilles tendon, this confirmed that the situation (large change in lineup) is inevitable.

"The Celtics need to get rid of at least two high-paying contracts, otherwise they will face huge luxury tax issues," said an NBA executive. "Tatum's injury makes them treat next year as a transition year, and try other players or young players." Several league executives believe that the Celtics will explore the trading market for center Porzingis, the Latvian star has one year left in his contract and earns $30.73 million.

Porzingis, who has an expiring contract, is regarded by league executives as the number one trading candidate for the Celtics to cut their high salaries next season. Porzingis played a major role in the Celtics’ championship win last year, but this year he performed poorly in the playoffs due to an unknown virus.

Derek White will turn 31 in July this year, and he has been attracting the interest of several teams in the league. However, the Celtics have rejected these teams' trade inquiries about Derek White. Last year, Derek White and the Celtics signed a four-year contract of 125.9 million.

Celtic veteran defender Ju Holiday is about to turn 35 years old, and his contract has 3 years and $105 million left. The 2027-28 season is the player option. The outside defense strongman has been associated with the Clippers and the Mavericks.

Houser holds a four-year, $45 million contract, but when the Celtics chose Baylor Sherman with the 30th pick in the 2024 draft, some NBA talent assessmentists believed that Sherman might eventually replace Hauser because the shooter shot 39% from three-point shooting in college.

According to the current situation, the Celtics' total salary expenditure next season will break the NBA record, and the salary + luxury tax is expected to exceed 500 million.