The Boston Celtics are known for their shrewd decisions in the offseason. Led by the President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevens, their front office recently made a trade that has also changed the team’s financial landscape. The Celtics’ roster consisted of some excellent defensive players, but the team often struggled on the other end of the floor. With the star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown consistently improving, Boston probably felt it was the best moment to go all out for a championship. While Tatum remains the franchise cornerstone, he won’t, however, be the highest-paid player on the roster anymore.

In the 2022–23 season, Tatum averaged a whopping 30.1 points per game on his way to being named in the All-NBA First Team. He was the highest-paid player on the team last year, earning a salary of $30,351,780. Though he will earn $32,600,060 next season, there is someone else who now trumps the 4x All-Star.

A blockbuster trade that shook the Celtics’ Payroll

7’3″ Latvian center, Kristaps Porzingis, known for his scoring ability, found his way onto the Celtics’ roster after getting traded by the Washington Wizards. This came about through a complicated three-way deal involving Boston, Washington, and Memphis. As part of the deal, the Celtics traded fan-favorite Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies. However, the Celtics absorbed a massive contract.

Kristaps has now become the highest-paid player on the Celtics roster. His contract exceeds Tatum’s earnings with a salary of $36 million next year. This change in the team’s salary structure stems from the Celtics’ commitment to building a contending team, even if that means shaking up their salary structure. Porzingis opted into the final year of his 5-year/$158 million contract before the trade.

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While Celtics traded for a massive contract, they gave away Smart’s 4-year/$76 million contract. Nonetheless, Tatum won’t be second for long, as he will be eligible for a Supermax extension worth more than $300 million in 2024. But how will the trade affect the Celtics on the court?

Is Kristaps Porzingis the final piece in the puzzle?

Porzingis’ arrival in Boston is expected to have a significant impact on the team’s performance. His ability to score from anywhere on the court and his defensive presence will certainly bolster Boston’s game. However, his hefty contract also means the Celtics will have to overcome the challenges of managing a very high salary cap if he extends next year.

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Despite the financial implications, the Celtics’ front office seems confident in their decision. They believe that Porzingis’ contribution to the court will outweigh the cost of his contract. While he brings an undeniable talent to the team, only time will tell if this gamble pays off and leads the Celtics to their ultimate goal – another NBA championship.