Repeating their championship run for a second time, wasn’t that the Boston Celtics’ this season? But four second-round games later, things don’t seem to be in their favor. The Knicks have the reigning champions at a 1-3 record, and only a miracle can save them. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum’s heartbreaking injury has left the squad shaken to its core. Thus making space for their ex-coach, Ime Udoka, to exploit opportunities.

Jayson Tatum’s season ended after he tore his right Achilles tendon in the Celtics’ Game 4 loss to the Knicks. With a brutal crash to the court, the NBA star’s season ended shockingly. The final moments were for playoff glory, but instead, Tatum now faces a long rehab. Now, the Celtics’ hopes rest on an uncertain road with one of their stars sidelined.

Meanwhile, veteran writer Marc Spear informed that, “Even before Tatum’s injury in the first round, there was an NBA executive from another team who told me he expected major change with the Celtics, no matter what happened this season.” So, it looks like months of speculations and rumors weren’t particularly wrong in this case! He further noted: “When you have a payroll with five players making at least $28 million or more, and two superstars making $50 million or more, change feels inevitable.”

Derrick White ($28.1M), Kristaps Porzingis ($30.7M), and Jrue Holiday ($32.4M) from the starting lineup are making more than 28 million. Meanwhile, the two pillars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, are making $54.1M and $53.1M, respectively. Spears also revealed: “I’ll tell you what — the two teams I’m keeping an eye on for a couple of these guys are the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs. Why the Rockets? Ime Udoka is there. They’ve been rumored to want to upgrade their roster, and he knows these guys. They probably would be attracted to returning to play with him.”

The connection is worth watching. Udoka, who helped mold Boston’s defensive identity during their 2022 Finals run, could look to capitalize on Boston’s cap inflexibility — and maybe even settle an old score.

After all, his exit from Boston wasn’t exactly on smooth terms. Suspended and eventually replaced amid scandal, Udoka’s Houston tenure has already showcased his no-nonsense leadership and defensive standards. Poaching trusted vets from a contender he helped build? That could be both strategic and personal.

While the Rockets are still in the midst of their rebuild, armed with cap flexibility and a rising young core, they now have the infrastructure — and motivation — to pounce if Boston’s cap situation forces tough decisions. And with the Spurs also flush with space and looking to build around Victor Wembanyama, the two Texas teams might just be circling at the right time.

Now, coming back to Jayson Tatum and his injury that will most likely keep him out of action for most of the next season, it is going to pose a major threat to three of his teammates. Namely, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis. Thus, bringing us back to trade talks, what does the future hold for these stars?

Amidst Jayson Tatum’s season-ending injury, three Celtics stars face uncertainty

Derrick White is going to pocket a cool $28.1 million in 2025-26, securing his spot among Boston’s top earners. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to lead the charge, each raking in over $50 million. Jrue Holiday’s locked in at $32 million, KP at $30 million, and Al Horford will hit unrestricted free agency in 2025-26. All this (likely) adds up to a staggering $513 million in payroll and penalties for the Celtics.

Even if Horford leaves, insiders say he is not done yet — and Boston’s payroll still stuns. With a staggering $464 million for next season, including luxury taxes, the Celtics are staring down a massive financial mountain, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

To escape the dreaded second apron and ease the financial headache, the Celtics have one daring option: trade Holiday, KP, and Horford. Jrue Holiday is under contract with the Boston Celtics on a four-year, $134.4 million extension that runs through the 2027-28 season, with the final year being a player option worth $37.2 million hangs over them like a giant weight. But moving him wouldn’t just trim the fat. It could slip Boston under the first apron, completely flipping their offseason game plan. Besides, finding a temporary replacement for JT would also be a priority for the franchise now.

So, now the empire’s wobbling, and the cracks are starting to show. With Tatum out and the money pouring like confetti, Boston’s juggling fire. Old faces like Udoka are circling, smelling opportunity. A few bold trades could change everything. One way or another, the storm is coming.