Boston Celtics 2024-25: Season Preview

The Boston Celtics find themselves in championship-or-bust mode again this season, with high financial stakes increasing the pressure on their title aspirations. Fresh off winning the 2023-24 NBA Championship under Jaylen Brown AND Jayson TatumThe Celts now aim to build a dynasty. But with no team winning back-to-back championships since the Warriors’ glory days, Boston faces the challenge of maintaining its lead and avoiding complacency.

Key players like Tatum and Derrick White have been committed to contract extensions, which means the Celtics are going all-in. Tatum, who averaged 26.9 points per game last season and continues to refine his game, remains the centerpiece of the team. His off-season work with the coach Drew Hanlen his improvement in three-point shooting shows his commitment to leading Boston to another title. Brown complements Tatum, a two-time NBA champion, with his ability to attack the basket Jrue Holidaywith the help of Brown and White, he strengthens the defense with his elite play and ability to block key opposing players.

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

The team’s total earnings for the 2024–25 season are $206,004,700, which ranks 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

Enrichment: 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: Svyatoslav Mykhailiuk (Utah), Oshae Brissett

Paintings by David Butler II-Imagn

Solid offensive firepower led by Tatum and Brown. A deep and versatile lineup that can adapt to different playing styles. Resilience on defense, led by Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.

Potential distractions from ownership changes. High wages may limit future flexibility. Dependent on core players remaining healthy.

Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images

HoopsHey: 1st place in the Atlantic Division, 1st in the Eastern Conference

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

Sports betting: 58.5 projected wins

HoopsHype has compiled consensus winning averages by collecting winning predictions from eight sportsbooks, including FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Caesars and bet365.