Game 6 at Madison Square Garden was a gut punch for the Celtics. It wasn’t just a loss—it was a full unraveling. The Knicks ran them off the floor, 119-81. Boston’s season ended, and fans are left wondering what’s next, especially for Jaylen Brown.

Most didn’t know Jaylen Brown had a partially torn meniscus in his right knee since March. He played through the pain—pain-killing injections, missed games, and changed how he moved. You could see it in Game 6. Jaylen scored 20 points and grabbed six boards, but that explosive burst? Gone. Even TNT’s crew noticed he was fighting through something. Now we know why.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Jaylen Brown finished the season with that meniscus tear. He dealt with the pain for over a month, and he’ll be evaluated this week to see if surgery is needed. Signs point toward a procedure for long-term stability.

“I don’t make excuses,” Brown said after the game. “Obviously, it’s tough the way we went out like tonight, but the way we finished the year, personally, the way I finished the year, persevering through some physical stuff that I was battling through, I’m proud of our group.”

He didn’t say it looking for sympathy. He said it like someone holding in a scream. The kind of pride that only comes after dragging your body through hell because the jersey on your chest still means something. Brown limped into that postgame presser as the last man standing in a crumbling house.

Jaylen Brown has dealt with two notable knee issues during his NBA career. In 2021, he was sidelined by left knee tendinopathy—an injury that didn’t require surgery but kept him out for several games. Fast forward to the 2025 Playoffs, and Brown was gutting it out through a partially torn meniscus in his right knee. Now, he’s under evaluation to determine if surgery—his first knee procedure ever—will be necessary. Back in March, he subtly alluded to something bigger brewing: “It’s new for me. I haven’t really had issues ever with my knees in my career.”

Despite the injury, Brown was Boston’s rock in the playoffs. He averaged 22.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 36.5 minutes a night across 11 starts. His efficiency dipped—44.1 effective field-goal percentage, the lowest of his playoff career. Still, he carried a massive offensive load and guarded tough wings. Coaches and teammates knew exactly what they had in him.

“I have complete confidence in him due to his strong work ethic, his mentality, and the preparation he undertakes,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said.

Brown bled for this team. Literally. And now? the big question is, what’s next for Brown and the Celtics? His health is uncertain, and financial challenges loom. Boston faces a tough offseason.

With Jaylen Brown Hurt and Payroll Soaring, What’s Next for the Celtics?

Here’s the deal for Boston’s 2025 offseason — it’s a big headache. Injury doubts and a massive payroll have the Celtics on a tightrope. The pressure to keep their title hopes alive is huge.

First up: Jayson Tatum. After Game 4, he had surgery for a torn Achilles tendon. Brutal news. No official timeline yet, but ESPN’s Marc Spears said Tatum’s dad expects an 8-9 month recovery. So Boston will likely be without their star until early next year. Even then, it could take time to regain full explosiveness.

Then there’s Jaylen Brown. He’s been playing with a partially torn meniscus for most of the second half of the season. Now, he faces a tough choice: surgery or not. Surgery would mean missing time and delay Boston’s next season start, adding more uncertainty.

Now the payroll mess. Boston’s projected at $262 million for 2025-26 — about $107 million over the cap. Their starting five — Tatum, Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis — earn nearly $200 million alone. That’s way past the luxury tax line. Translation: huge tax penalties and limits on trades and free agency.

So what’s the plan? The Celtics will have to make tough calls. Maybe trade key players or get creative to clear space. Young guys like Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Baylor Scheierman will need to step up. And Al Horford, turning 39 heading into free agency, factors into the veteran-youth balance.

Despite all this, Boston still has a championship core — if healthy. Brad Stevens, fresh off Executive of the Year, faces the challenge of balancing short-term success with long-term sustainability.

Boston also holds the 28th and 32nd picks in the draft. They’ll likely look for affordable, versatile wings or bigs. But trading those picks for future assets or salary relief is possible.

Bottom line: Boston’s offseason is a high-stakes balancing act. Jaylen Brown’s health and the payroll crunch will decide if they stay contenders or hit reset.