Celtics’ Brad Stevens shuns idea team is in a rebuild with Jayson Tatum out
July 8, 2025
The Boston Celtics face major changes after Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles injury during the Eastern Conference semifinals. Brad Stevens, the team’s president of basketball operations, confirmed tough decisions were necessary, including trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. The moves brought down the team’s payroll and avoided penalties under the NBA’s second salary cap apron. Stevens emphasizes the team is not rebuilding but retooling, with Jaylen Brown stepping up as the focal point while Tatum recovers. Both players are already rehabbing, with Brown nearing full clearance. Stevens remains optimistic about the team’s potential despite the challenges ahead.