Wait, what? The Celtics… breaking up? After one of the most chaotic postseason exits in recent memory, Boston’s core suddenly finds itself under the microscope. Jaylen Brown trade rumors are flying again. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday’s futures are uncertain. Kristaps Porzingis is available for a trade. And the team’s 119-81 loss to the Knicks in their elimination game? The kind of defeat that forces uncomfortable conversations in front offices.

But just as speculation started leaning, Jayson Tatum dropped a message without saying a word. On his Instagram story, he reposted a clip from Celtics content producer Aaron James showing him walking across the court, smiling. The caption? “Flowers die and diamonds don’t. We’ll be back 💍 #617Day.” That’s June 17, the date of their 17th championship back in 2008.

Cryptic? Maybe. But definitely not accidental. Tatum, who’s still the centerpiece of everything Boston does, is reminding fans that this core, no matter how cracked, still believes in the mission. Yet, the fractures are real. Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porziņģis have all been floated in trade rumors. The most dominant team in the East a year ago is suddenly… available for negotiation.

Jayson Tatum, as we all know, is the face of the Celtics. At just 27, he’s already climbed into franchise royalty with six All-Star nods, two Finals appearances, and a reputation for carrying Boston when it counts. Losing him? Not even a conversation. But the pieces around him? Very much on the table. And Jrue Holiday may be the most likely to move.

Despite his championship pedigree and respected locker room presence, he’s drawing strong interest. One scenario gaining traction? A potential deal with Detroit involving Tobias Harris. It would free up cap space while adding size and experience to Boston’s rotation. It’s a risk because Holiday is beloved by teammates, but in this recalibration, nothing is sacred.

Then there’s Kristaps Porziņģis. According to Chris Mannix, he’s “available,” but the Celtics want him back at a lower price. The Brooklyn Nets have the cap space, the picks, and the motivation to take a swing. And here’s one potential trade swap for you, if you’re wondering. Rui Hachimura of the Lakers for Kristaps Porziņģis. That’s the kind of move Boston might consider, according to Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk.

With Jayson Tatum sidelined and a starting forward spot wide open, Rui’s expiring deal, which brings in $17 million annually, gives the Celtics a chance to save money and stay flexible. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of low-key switch-up that could make sense if Boston’s trimming the fat. And as Brian Lewis of the New York Post said, “Porzingis is a different story altogether. I could definitely see them doing [a deal] depending on the sweetener.”

And speaking of sweet… comes Derrick White. The heart and hustle guy. He set a franchise record for threes and stuffed the stat sheet like it was a habit with 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.8 dimes a night while casually torching nets at nearly 40% from deep. But teams like the Warriors are circling. While Shams Charania reports the Celtics don’t want to move both White and Brown, the lines are still blurry as ever. Because, of course, they are.

Which brings us to the hardest question: what happens with Jaylen Brown? Despite being All-NBA, JB’s future in Boston is suddenly cloudier than it’s ever been. In the wake of the Desmond Bane deal, Brown’s $304 million supermax extension is starting to look like a luxury the Celtics might not be able to afford, especially with Tatum’s Achilles injury shifting their timeline. The idea? Sell high, reset the books, and retool around Tatum while he recovers. Potential deals with Sacramento and even San Antonio could dangle the No. 2 pick plus young talent. Boston insists they’re not shopping Brown… but in this financial climate, never say never.

Where does Jayson Tatum fit in a changing Celtics core?

And yet, amid all this chaos, Tatum’s message stands tall: “We’ll be back.” The best part? Celtics are nowhere near trade talks when it comes to JT. Because throughout the ups and downs, Jayson’s leadership has become the glue. In the 2024–25 postseason, he averaged 25.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while playing through injuries and fatigue. He set the tone in the locker room, leaned into defensive responsibilities, and turned in clutch performances when Boston needed him most.

Even as the trade storm brews, there’s no question who the Celtics are building around. Tatum’s voice, his consistency, and his belief in the franchise have turned him into Boston’s true north. The message from him was a reminder that the mission’s not over. Not while No. 0 is still lacing up.

So as trade season heats up and Boston’s roster hangs in limbo, what’s clear is Jayson Tatum isn’t blinking. Diamonds don’t die. And neither do contenders, not if they make the right moves. Whether it’s Holiday, White, KP, or JB… someone’s leaving. Man, this is going to be a breakup even worse than One Direction. But the ultimate question is, who’s staying to finish the job?