It’s been a brutal stretch for Boston Celtics fans. It all began with the devastating playoff injury to Jayson Tatum, sidelining their superstar for the upcoming season. As if missing their cornerstone wasn’t enough, the Celtics also fell short in defending their title. Now, the heartbreak deepens as the very core that brought them glory starts to unravel—Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have already said their goodbyes. For a fanbase built on legacy and loyalty, this surely pains, but how does the leadership feel about it?

Yes, it is not just the fans who are hurting from these emotional exits from Boston. The Celtics’ general manager, Brad Stevens, also shares a similar feeling with the fans. In a recent interview, the Boston GM spoke about how he’ll be alongside the Celtics supporters cheering for Holiday and Porzingis from afar. “Thank you to Jrue and KP and Luke … we wish these guys well. We’ll be rooting from them from afar.” Stevens said. So why did the Celtics part ways with two key pieces from their 2024 title-winning roster? Brad Stevens offered a direct answer:

“The second apron is why those trades happened.” The looming financial constraints tied to the NBA’s new tax structure had been casting a shadow over Boston, even during their championship run. But an early playoff exit, compounded by Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear, accelerated tough decisions. Now, with the core dismantling, the Celtics face a harsh reality: can they stay contenders while staying under the cap?

If you’re not aware, the Celtics were supposed to pay a huge luxury tax if they continued with their previous roster. Keith Smith, an NBA expert, tweeted, “In terms of real dollars from tax penalties, because they were a tax repeater and so far over the tax line, I’ve got the Celtics reducing their projected tax bill for 2025-26 by over $196M after their two trades.” So, Stevens is right when he says that they made the Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis deals to relax the tax implications.

Brad Stevens shuts down talks of Boston signing Al Horford from the free agency

The Boston Celtics have already made a couple of huge moves this summer in order to cut costs. However, they are not done just yet. The Cs from the office still have work to do under the second apron, and their veteran center, Al Horford, could be the next victim of the apron’s wrath. The 39-year-old has been a loyal employee of the franchise, as he’s suited up for seven of his 18 seasons in the league for Boston. However, as the Cs navigate their financial adversities, they’ve not been able to agree with Horford.

Moreover, when speaking with the media on Monday, General Manager Brad Stevens said something that makes Horford’s return to Boston seem even less likely. “Brad Stevens says that getting Al Horford back is “unlikely” at this point, but that the Celtics made both him and Luke Kornet offers.” Journalist Noa Dalzell reported on X. This is devastating news for the Boston faithful, who might once again have to witness an emotional departure.

Nonetheless, Stevens noted that the franchise did try to offer a contract to the veteran center, as well as Luke Kornet, who joined the San Antonio Spurs this week. So, at least the Boston front office tried to keep them within the ranks and not lose a couple of more players, but couldn’t do so. It’s concerning news for the Celtics, as Horford had a pretty solid season, averaging nine points along with 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists. How will the Boston Celtics replace him? That remains to be seen.