The Boston Celtics had what many deemed a safe 3-1 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs.
It looked as though the 18-time NBA champions would take care of business and continue their 2026 playoff journey. However, Boston had other plans, as they lost the last three games of the series and were sent home by the 76ers before coming close to making a championship run.
Their last loss was undoubtedly the most devastating, as Boston, without Jayson Tatum (left knee stiffness), failed to make the necessary plays down the stretch to secure a series-clinching win over the Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid-led 76ers (they suffered a 109-100 loss).
Now that Boston’s season has come to a close, there’s no better time to tackle the question on every fan’s mind: what’s next for the Celtics after their first-round exit?
Well, Boston could easily explore the possibility of trading one or more of their stars, given their recent postseason struggles. Jaylen Brown, who’s owed $57 million next season, likely is no longer an untouchable asset for the franchise.
The California product’s off-the-dribble scoring and playmaking reached an elevated level due to Tatum’s extended absence on the hardwood to start the year (he tore his Achilles in the playoffs last year).
Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in the regular season, shooting 47.7% from the field and 34.7% from the field. Brown was productive again in the postseason, contributing 24.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while connecting on 45.7% of his field goals and 42.4% of his three-point jumpers.
Needless to say, teams would be lining up to acquire Brown if he were to be made available by the Celtics this season, almost guaranteeing that Boston would receive a massive haul for the former NBA Finals MVP.
The same could likely be said about Derrick White, who averaged a career-best 16.5 points per game in the regular season and looked comfortable in a secondary playmaking role.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Celtics ultimately decide to do this offseason.
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