The Boston Celtics are currently dealing with the ramifications of a humiliating first-round playoff defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Philadelphia won three consecutive games, completing a miraculous comeback from a 3-1 deficit and becoming only the 14th team in NBA history to do so.
Notably, it is the first time a 76ers squad has overcome a 3-1 series deficit.
Boston’s attention has now switched entirely to the offseason and the actions required to restore their status as championship contender.
Following their playoff defeat, the Boston Celtics have a critical frontcourt choice to make.
Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White now make up a substantial portion of the Celtics’ long-term salary obligations.
If Nikola Vucevic re-signs as an unrestricted free agency, Boston’s financial flexibility may be limited much more.
However, there are rising speculations that the veteran center will depart after a turbulent stint since joining in a midseason trade.
Hardwood Houdini’s Ben Handler thinks the Celtics should move on from the 35-year-old, citing a noticeable fall in influence.
“The Nikola Vucevic trade was a successful effort for the Celtics,” Handler said. “If they wanted to be serious about winning a championship while remaining below the luxury tax, they had to improve the frontcourt while lowering salary. “
“The exchange was a good gamble, and Vooch had a few flashes, but he is simply too old and slow to make a beneficial contribution in a playoff series. “
“If Vucevic wants to be one of those veteran minimums, that’s a conversation that can be had, but anything more should be out of the question. “
Vucevic is approaching the end of a three-year, $60 million deal he signed with the Chicago Bulls, with $21. 4 million in earnings in the 2025-26 season.
In 16 games to close out the season with Boston, the 6-foot-9 big guy averaged 9. 7 points, 6. 6 rebounds, and 2. 0 assists, while shooting 43. 9% from the field and 34. 0% from three-point range.
Those statistics are among the worst of his career outside of his rookie season in 2011-12.
Nikola Vucevic Struggles highlight. Need for Reset
Vucevic also missed the second half of the season due to a damaged right ring finger, and even when available, he was unable to have a regular influence.
In six playoff games against Philadelphia, he scored just 37 points, shooting 14-of-37 from the court and 7-of-24 from outside the arc in 114 total minutes.
As Boston sought answers at the center position, Vucevic was ultimately left off the rotation in Game 7, with Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and small-ball combinations preferred instead.
“It was the correct choice, and frankly, it took too long for Joe Mazzulla to see what most could plainly see: Vucevic is finished,” Handler stated.
Despite the outcome, Boston achieved part of its goal in acquiring Vucevic.
Moving on from Anfernee Simons helped the club fall under the luxury tax limit while also providing a veteran presence to a largely inexperienced frontcourt.
However, with Vucevic earning more than $20 million each season, the Boston Celtics may seek to move on, retain financial flexibility, and explore other improvements as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.
