Solely two weeks after profitable the NBA Finals for a record-setting 18th time, Boston Celtics possession, led by Wyc Grousbeck, introduced their plans to place the franchise up on the market, which prompted an outpour of questions.
Why so quickly? Why after discovering the roster able to doubtlessly sparking a dynasty? Why earlier than retaining Jayson Tatum on a long-term contract extension? Grousbeck was in excessive spirits all through Boston’s championship journey this season, giving Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens the “inexperienced gentle” to do no matter it took to cross the end line.
Now with no clear as daylight solutions — but — there’s nothing left to do however speculate, beginning with who may pursue possession of the Celtics subsequent.
“Regulate a on line casino/resort magnate pursuing Celtics possession,” Sports activities Illustrated’s Chris Mannix printed on X, hours after the information broke. “Grousbeck doesn’t personal TD Backyard, now one of many older within the NBA. A brand new majority proprietor could wish to construct a brand new area. And in relation to playing, Massachusetts is open for enterprise.”
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Grousbeck and accomplice Steve Pagliuca oversaw the franchise’s final buy in 2002 for $360 million. Six years later, the Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen-led “Massive Three” raised the workforce’s first banner since 1986 after defeating Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers within the 2008 Finals. It took a protracted, affected person rebuilding course of, however the Celtics are again in a nice place.
The price of becoming a member of (and retaining) skills resembling Tatum, Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Vacation and Derrick White comes with a really, very steep value. Earlier than this previous postseason, Brown was locked right into a five-year, $286 million extension whereas Porzingis (two years, $60 million) and Vacation (4 years, $135 million) have been additionally paid. On Monday, with the confetti cleaned out and the franchise up for bid at TD Backyard, the Celtics prolonged White (4 years, $126 million) and Tatum (5 years, $314 million) — an NBA file.
Boston was already nicely above the posh tax invoice earlier than sitting on the negotiating desk with White and Tatum, and the duo touchdown their respective paydays didn’t assist the franchise’s monetary trigger. This might play a consider whoever decides to cough up the presumably hefty greenback quantity it’ll take to accumulate possession of the Celtics.
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“I’m grateful and grateful for the 21-year partnership I’ve loved with Wyc and Irv Grousbeck, the Epstein household, and all of the unimaginable Celtics funding companions,” Pagliuca stated, per Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe. “It has been a exceptional run that resulted in two NBA Championships for the very best and most passionate followers in skilled basketball, capped off with an incredible duck boat parade final week in Boston. Together with the championships, we’re most happy with the expansion of our group influence efforts and the dedication of the investor group, coaches, gamers and employees to serving to group members who’re in want.”
The Celtics, once more, stay nicely inside competition to repeat as champions subsequent season, which was made attainable by the workforce’s present possession group and its dedication to re-establishing the franchise’s profitable custom.
