Boston Celtics’ Trade Deadline EXPLAINED | Why Brad Stevens Moved Players For Nothing
Boston Celtics fans are buzzing after a surprising trade deadline left three players out and no major additions to the roster. Can the Celtics stay contenders after choosing luxury tax savings over splashy moves? SI’s John Karalis and Tom Westerholm unpack the real story behind sending out Chris Boucher, Josh Minott, and Xavier Tillman—while a two-way player spot goes to John Tanji. Is Boston really following in the Red Sox’s “cheap” footsteps, or is there a smart, long-term strategy at play?
Key analysis includes Nikola Vucevic’s potential impact alongside Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Payton Pritchard, plus the development of Amari Williams and Ron Harper Jr. The hosts debate Brad Stevens’ calculated choices, the Celtics’ evolving roster philosophy, and what these quiet moves mean for next year’s big trade possibilities—hinting at future flexibility for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Ja Morant. Is this the temporary “gap year” or a setup for something greater?
00:00 Celtics Trade Deadline Recap
02:32 Chris Boucher Trade & Impact
05:35 Josh Minott Departure & Locker Room Stories
08:49 Celtics Get Under Luxury Tax
14:34 Red Sox Comparison & Long-Term Vision
25:00 Nikola Vucevic Fit & Rotation Debates
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20 Comments
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I knew this podcast was coming but hey Celtics got under luxury tax
Nice t-shirt John.
we need to sign harper jr
What are the benefits of being under the luxury tax vs being in tax but under the first apron ? Is it significant? Also, i am assuming we will jump back to way over the tax next season even without doing anything because Tatums max contract kicks in. In light of that it was good to get Vucivic coz they can likely re sign him for a low sallary and have his bird rights.
I saw the tax duck coming but not Vuc. Ultimately, it feels like a strategic step forward.
Cheer up, Tom. When Vuc gets defensive rebounds and double doubles, you’ll feel as right as rain
Celtics failed not getting Zubac now he’s with the Pacers
Thanks for the pod
I love the cap management from the Celtics. They are building a sustainable future- definitely think they stay below the tax next year.
Tatum- assuming a return to form, a top 5 player
Brown- a top 20 player (although playing better than that this year)
D. White- top tier role player-cheap contract
Prichard- top tier 6th man-cheap contract
Queta/Vučević- very serviceable bigs
Garza/Walsh/Gonzalez/Hauser/Scheierman – all high motor, talented role players who are super cheap
This is what a championship contender is going to look like the new CBA era- not a favorite, but definitely a top 5ish team.
Biggest wild cards to me are Tatum's health AND his willingness to adapt to a new style of play. He's the 4 on this team and needs to dial back the less effective parts of his game.
They are already competing for the east title. Out side of Simons none of any of those other guys are even playing. It just makes good financial sense.
I just watched the John Tonje highlights. He is phenomenal.
☘️☘️👊
We went from needing a starting big to having 1 point guard. If not for the money issue we traded a 26 year old 2 way…recently a 2way …scoring guard for a 35 year old offensive center. I know these guys are trying to be positive. I'm neutral about this….it's someone else's money. 😂
I wish we could have gotten something for Minott. He will get some minutes with the Nets and we gave him to them. Maybe it will give us some goodwill and give us another trading partner in the future. ☘🏀💪
I don't think Vucevic should come off the bench.
"Use 8, rotate 7, play 6, trust 5" – Pat Riley
Has been the standard for majority of teams for rotations. Just the way mins are distributed based on talent but Mazulla knows how to get the most out his players to be bought in for whatever the situation requires.
Braniac Brad with the tedious task of trying to configure a roster where Mazulla can trust all 15. Players gotta be ready for their moment.
But… the tangible human side of everyone developing chemistry, relationships with the community & staff, and overall enjoying to play for each other is always gonna be the Internal Devolpment that counts the most ☘︎
Best of luck to X 🏆, Boucher, Minott & Anferno in their respective stops 🫡
Private equity Bill Chisholm. My problem with bill is he didn't have the money to buy the team, but Wyck still sold it to him. All because he was promised to be Governor, which turned out false. It doesn't matter losing these 3 guys. Simons was a rental and they got vucevic. It worked out, but Chisholm is private equity. He'll probably sell in 2 years and make a billion fir his investors. It's about money. The other stuff is nonsense
Flash in the pan – Minot
Did Tom Westerholm make a Dodgeball reference? “Dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge!,”
Westbrook let Boucher off the hook when Pritchard told him he shot it for his averages to look better so that he can get to another team and keep his career alive