Reports confirm Jaylen Brown played through a partially torn meniscus in his right knee during the final stretch of the regular season and throughout the playoffs. Despite the injury, Brown suited up for all 11 postseason games, averaging a respectable 22.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per contest, though his explosiveness and efficiency noticeably dipped.

Brown began receiving pain injections in March to manage the injury and missed the last three regular-season games to rest. He modified his game to cope with the pain, demonstrating toughness and dedication.

Brown told reporters after the Celtics’ season-ending loss to the New York Knicks, “I don’t make excuses... personally, the way I finished the year, persevering through some physical stuff that I was battling through, I’m proud of our group.”

Celtics Face an Uncertain Future Without Their Two Stars

Tatum’s ruptured Achilles, suffered in Game 4 against the Knicks, is expected to sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season. Brown’s meniscus injury now threatens to further weaken the Celtics’ core as they prepare for a campaign that could see both stars sidelined simultaneously.

The Celtics’ front office faces a daunting challenge. With a projected payroll among the NBA’s highest and limited flexibility due to luxury tax constraints, Boston must navigate roster decisions carefully. The team holds the 28th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and retains most future first-round picks, but trading or restructuring contracts may be necessary to remain competitive.

Veteran players like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White could be on the move, and even Kristaps Porzingis—who struggled with a lingering illness during the playoffs—may be considered for trade to ease the salary burden. Brown’s injury status will be closely monitored, with surgery a possibility depending on his upcoming evaluation.

Offseason Outlook: A Season of Change Looms

The Celtics’ ownership is also in transition, with Bill Chisholm’s $6.1 billion acquisition expected to be approved soon, though current owner Wyc Grousbeck will retain operational control until at least 2028. This ownership change adds another layer of uncertainty amid the team’s salary cap challenges and injury woes.

Boston’s offseason will likely involve tough decisions, balancing the desire to remain contenders with the financial realities and health concerns of their stars. The Celtics have a promising draft class on the horizon, including AJ Dybantsa and the Boozer twins, which could help reshape the roster.