Boston Celtics face limited trade options after offseason moves

The Celtics hold a $27.6 million trade exception from the Anfernee Simons deal, but they are $4 million below the second apron and hard‑capped after signing center Mitchell Robinson. This salary situation means they cannot fully use the exception unless they shed salary. Boston also traded star forward Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, receiving Robinson from the Knicks, which left the team unable to leverage its best trade asset.

Nevertheless, the team still has Jayson Tatum as its centerpiece, a solidified center position, and improved chemistry between Tatum and guard Derrick White. These factors, along with a more settled rotation, give the Celtics a chance to improve on last season despite the offseason setbacks.