The Boston Celtics are facing significant changes this offseason, with the Grousbeck family’s decision to put the team up for sale.
This move has caused considerable stir within the organization and the broader NBA community. Many within the Celtics hope that minority owner Steve Pagliuca will purchase the controlling share, ensuring continuity and stability for the franchise. Pagliuca has expressed his intent to be an active participant in the bidding process, though no buyer has been finalized yet.
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This sale is primarily driven by family estate planning, according to league sources, and is not connected to the team’s projected high payroll and luxury tax payments for the 2025-26 season. The stability of the Celtics is a point of pride for the organization, and Pagliuca’s potential ownership is seen as a way to maintain that stability.
In terms of coaching staff changes, Celtics assistant Charles Lee has been hired as the head coach of the Hornets. Head coach Joe Mazzulla plans to promote from within to fill the vacancies, with assistants Sam Cassell, D.J. MacLeay, Tony Dobbins, and Matt Reynolds all expected to take on more prominent roles. God Shammgod Jr. and Da’Sean Butler, both with strong connections to Mazzulla, are likely to join the staff in player development and video coordinator roles.
On the player front, the Celtics’ summer league roster is being finalized, with Jaden Springer, Jordan Walsh, JD Davison, Drew Peterson, Baylor Scheierman, Anton Watson, and Tristan Enaruna expected to participate. Neemias Queta, who recently re-signed, may also join the squad, which will be coached by MacLeay.
Additionally, Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday will be participating in USA Basketball’s training camp in preparation for the Olympics, while Payton Pritchard will be part of the USA Basketball Select team.
The Celtics have one remaining roster spot and are interested in bringing back wing Oshae Brissett, although he is seeking more playing time with another team. Finally, former Celtics guard Kemba Walker announced his retirement and will join Lee’s coaching staff in Charlotte.
