Celtics Have Reduced Payroll Plus Luxury Tax By $301M

In a series of cost-cutting maneuvers, the Boston Celtics have reduced their projected salary and luxury tax payments for the 2025-26 season from $540 million as of June 15th to $239 million as of August 5th, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. This represents a reduction of $301 million.

The Celtics traded away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis this offseason while also letting Al Horford and Luke Kornet leave in free agency.

The Celtics were long expected to reduce their payroll and luxury tax obligations, but likely went even further due to the Achilles injury to Jayson Tatum.

Boston could further reduce their obligations should they make additional maneuvers such as trading away Anfernee Simons.