The Boston Celtics just made history for all the wrong reasons. They became the 14th team in NBA history to blow a 3-1 series lead—and the first Celtics team ever to do so. That collapse now forces some tough offseason questions around their core trio of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White.

When you lose a lead like that, change feels inevitable. But for Boston, making meaningful moves is easier said than done. The Celtics are sitting just barely under the first apron of the salary cap, which severely limits their flexibility. That's the hard reality of building around two max-contract superstars.

Brown and Tatum have been the franchise's foundation since 2020, and for good reason. Between them, they boast 11 All-Star appearances, six All-NBA selections, two Eastern Conference Finals MVPs, and a Finals MVP. That's a championship-caliber core. But those accolades come at a steep price: Brown signed a five-year, $285 million extension in 2023, and Tatum followed with a five-year, $313 million deal in 2024. Together, they eat up half the team's salary cap. Great players, but that kind of financial commitment makes it nearly impossible to build depth around them.

Then there's Derrick White. For years, he was the perfect third option—a reliable playoff performer who could defend, shoot, and make smart plays. But this postseason, he was a shell of himself. White averaged just 11.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, while shooting a dismal 32% from the field and 27% from three-point range. That's his worst shooting performance as a Celtic. And with a four-year, $118 million extension on the books, that contract is starting to look like it could age poorly—especially when it's one of the main reasons Boston can't make significant roster changes.

So what's next? The Celtics have two paths. The first is relatively simple: run it back with a similar roster, banking on a healthy Tatum after he rushed back from injury this season. The second is far more drastic. Boston could look to offload White, or even explore a blockbuster trade involving him and Brown to land a package of stars.

Either way, the Celtics' window as perennial Finals contenders isn't shut. But after a collapse this painful, the pressure is on to get it right this summer.