The Celtics do not have the salary or desire to chase big names in free agency. Stevens has to cut costs and field a cheaper but competitive roster next season without Jayson Tatum.

Instead of being forced to deal players already on the roster for whatever further goals the team may have, Boston now has two newcomers who still have some value, putting the team in a more flexible position moving forward as Stevens and the Celtics organization seem to value over all in the short term.

The Boston Celtics recalibrate their title-chasing core in 2025, using new financial breathing room and young talent to reshape their future.