Boston, September 30, 2025
News Summary
The Boston Celtics are revamping their roster following an early playoff exit and injuries, aiming to enhance competitiveness for the upcoming season. Key departures include Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, while Anfernee Simons has been acquired to bolster the team. With Jayson Tatum’s health uncertain, players like Jaylen Brown are set to assume larger roles. The changes reflect a strategic reset as the Celtics adapt to financial constraints and prepare for training camp amid elevated expectations.
Boston — The Boston Celtics have overhauled their roster for the 2025-26 season after a surprising early playoff exit and key injuries, reshaping the team’s lineup, depth chart and media coverage as they prepare for training camp.
Top developments
The Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship in 2024 but were eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals by the New York Knicks in six games. Following the playoff loss, the Celtics made significant changes to their roster, with several high-profile players departing. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis were traded away, altering the Celtics’ starting lineup for the new season. Anfernee Simons was acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the trades; he averaged around 20 points per game over the last three seasons.
Jayson Tatum is uncertain for the upcoming season due to an Achilles tendon rupture sustained in April. The timing and pace of Tatum’s recovery have major implications for Boston’s competitiveness in the 2025-26 campaign. With Tatum’s status unsettled, other players are expected to absorb larger offensive and leadership roles.
Roster composition and roles
Still present on the team are key players like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, who are expected to take on larger roles. Jaylen Brown will have to adapt to being the primary offensive option, as he averaged 22.2 points during the last season. New acquisitions like Chris Boucher and Josh Minott are brought in to help build chemistry and depth for the restructured squad. Center Neemias Queta is expected to have a more prominent role this season after success in FIBA EuroBasket 2025.
The offseason saw Boston’s cap limitations forcing them to part ways with other contributors, leading to roster adjustments. The roster’s overhaul is aimed at balancing performance with financial obligations as the Celtics navigate luxury-tax penalties.
Coaching and front office
Boston’s head coach, Joe Mazzulla, emphasizes maintaining high standards despite the changes in team composition. Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations, indicated that the team remains motivated to remain competitive despite reduced expectations. The organization is positioning the roster around younger pieces, selective veteran depth and financial flexibility.
Media and viewing information
The 2025-26 Celtics will air their games on NBC Sports Boston, Prime Video, ESPN, ABC, and Peacock. NBA League Pass is available for $16.99/month or $109.99/season and offers access to out-of-market games. DIRECTV STREAM includes channels needed to watch Celtics games, with various plan options starting around $89.99/month. Hulu + Live TV offers NBC Sports Boston and other sports networks, with plan prices starting at $89.99/month. Fubo also provides options for Celtics games and has three subscription plans starting at $84.99/month. Peacock will air select Celtics games, with subscription plans starting at $10.99/month. Prime Video will exclusively broadcast some Celtics games; the service itself costs $8.99/month or is included in an Amazon Prime subscription.
If fans are outside the Boston area, they can use a VPN to bypass blackout restrictions for watching games.
Preparation and outlook
The opening training camp for the Celtics is set to begin, with media day reflecting on the challenges and opportunities for the team this season. Coaching staff and front office leaders have framed the changes as a reset aimed at preserving competitiveness while addressing salary and luxury-tax realities. How quickly new arrivals integrate and how soon Tatum can return will largely determine whether the team exceeds the tempered expectations set by management.
What to watch early in the season
- Health and recovery progress for Jayson Tatum.
- Jaylen Brown’s adaptation to a larger scoring and ball-handling role.
- Chemistry between new acquisitions and remaining core players.
- Neemias Queta’s minutes and role at center following international performance.
- How luxury-tax considerations shape in-season moves and rotations.
FAQ
- What happened to the Celtics after 2024?
- The Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship in 2024 but were eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals by the New York Knicks in six games.
- Did the team make roster changes following the playoff loss?
- Following the playoff loss, the Celtics made significant changes to their roster, with several high-profile players departing.
- Which players were traded away?
- Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis were traded away, altering the Celtics’ starting lineup for the new season.
- Who did Boston acquire in the trades?
- Anfernee Simons was acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the trades; he averaged around 20 points per game over the last three seasons.
- What is Jayson Tatum’s injury status?
- Jayson Tatum is uncertain for the upcoming season due to an Achilles tendon rupture sustained in April.
- Where will Celtics games be broadcast?
- The 2025-26 Celtics will air their games on NBC Sports Boston, Prime Video, ESPN, ABC, and Peacock.
- How can fans watch out-of-market games?
- NBA League Pass is available for $16.99/month or $109.99/season and offers access to out-of-market games.
- What streaming and subscription options are available for watching games?
- DIRECTV STREAM includes channels needed to watch Celtics games, with various plan options starting around $89.99/month. Hulu + Live TV offers NBC Sports Boston and other sports networks, with plan prices starting at $89.99/month. Fubo also provides options for Celtics games and has three subscription plans starting at $84.99/month. Peacock will air select Celtics games, with subscription plans starting at $10.99/month. Prime Video will exclusively broadcast some Celtics games; the service itself costs $8.99/month or is included in an Amazon Prime subscription.
- What if fans are outside Boston?
- If fans are outside the Boston area, they can use a VPN to bypass blackout restrictions for watching games.
- Which key players remain on the roster?
- Still present on the team are key players like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, who are expected to take on larger roles.
- Did cap space influence roster moves?
- The offseason saw Boston’s cap limitations forcing them to part ways with other contributors, leading to roster adjustments.
- Are there role changes for specific players?
- Center Neemias Queta is expected to have a more prominent role this season after success in FIBA EuroBasket 2025. Jaylen Brown will have to adapt to being the primary offensive option, as he averaged 22.2 points during the last season.
- When does training camp start?
- The opening training camp for the Celtics is set to begin, with media day reflecting on the challenges and opportunities for the team this season.
- What is the goal of the roster changes?
- The roster’s overhaul is aimed at balancing performance with financial obligations as the Celtics navigate luxury-tax penalties.
Quick reference table
| Topic | Detail | Notes / Price |
|---|---|---|
| Primary broadcast networks | NBC Sports Boston, Prime Video, ESPN, ABC, Peacock | Local and national coverage |
| NBA League Pass | Out-of-market game access | $16.99/month or $109.99/season |
| DIRECTV STREAM | Includes channels needed to watch Celtics games | Plans starting around $89.99/month |
| Hulu + Live TV | Includes NBC Sports Boston and other sports networks | Plans starting at $89.99/month |
| Fubo | Live sports streaming options | Three plans starting at $84.99/month |
| Peacock | Select Celtics games | Plans starting at $10.99/month |
| Prime Video | Exclusive broadcasts for some games | $8.99/month or included with Amazon Prime |
| Key remaining players | Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard | Brown averaged 22.2 points last season |
| Notable acquisitions | Anfernee Simons, Chris Boucher, Josh Minott | Simons averaged around 20 PPG over last three seasons |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
William Chisholm’s Group Acquires Boston Celtics for $6.1 Billion
Bill Chisholm Acquires Majority Control of Boston Celtics
Additional Resources
- NBA Season Preview
- NBC Sports Boston: Celtics Media Day Updates
- Boston.com: Celtics Media Day Takeaways
- MassLive: Celtics Trade Rumors
- Wikipedia: Boston Celtics
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