The Boston Celtics are about one month away from the beginning of training camp and the start of their title defense. After winning their 18th championship, the Celtics got to work, extending Derrick White and Sam Hauser, but perhaps the biggest news involves their ownership.
It was recently announced that a majority stake in the Celtics would be available and that could attract several billionaires looking to own the most storied franchise in NBA history. According to The Ringer's Bill Simmons, Amazon founder and the second-richest person in the world, Jeff Bezos, is interested in owning the Celtics.
From last night’s pod - why I think Jeff Bezos is a legitimate suitor to buy the Celtics (and what the NBA wants the price to be). pic.twitter.com/O6nrVcYf9I
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) August 19, 2024
Another report disputes Bezos' interest but if true, that would be huge, with the Celtics having the best team in the NBA but also the most expensive team in league history, with many expecting them to have to break up their core in the next couple of seasons due to the second apron and luxury tax concerns. However, if Bezos buys the team, then finances may be far less of an issue.
NBA Rumors: How could Jeff Bezos buying the Boston Celtics affect their team?
Salary plus penalties will be around $425M for next season.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 21, 2024
Overall, in the last year, Boston has committed to over $960M in extensions for Brown, Tatum, Holiday, White, Porzingis and now Hauser. https://t.co/Zppeacs8FS
The Celtics are expected to have a $425 million payroll, including both salary and luxury tax, next season, joining the Phoenix Suns as the only team in NBA history to have crossed the $400 million threshold. That will only increase with yearly raises plus Jayson Tatum's supermax that he will be eligible to sign after next season, which will exceed Jaylen Brown's $295 million extension.
Some of that cost will be offset by Al Horford's $9.5 million contract expiring and his unlikely return after next season. That is in addition to the yearly 10% raises to the salary cap for the foreseeable thanks to the NBA's new television contract.
Nevertheless, as long as Tatum and Brown are on the same team, the Celtics will likely be among the league's most expensive teams. On the other hand, with both of them still in their mid-twenties, they could also be among the league's best teams for the next five to seven seasons.
All in all, Bezos' rumored interest in buying the Celtics could be a game-changer, considering that he's wealthy enough to keep their championship core together. Whether he buys the Celtics and does just that remains to be seen, but it is something worth monitoring going forward.