Celtics Await Tatum's Return as Trade Deadline Moves Reshape Lineup

Brad Stevens says Tatum is still a ways away from returning, but the team is ready whenever he's fully healthy.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens provided an update on star forward Jayson Tatum's recovery from Achilles surgery, saying he continues to hit milestones but is still a ways away from returning to the court. Stevens noted that Tatum's potential return did not impact the team's trade deadline moves, which included acquiring Nikola Vučević. The Celtics are taking a cautious approach, wanting Tatum to be 110% healthy before he rejoins the team.

Why it matters

Tatum's return would be a major boost for the Celtics, who have formed a strong identity without him but would be even more formidable with the All-Star forward back in the lineup. However, the team is prioritizing Tatum's long-term health over rushing him back this season.

The details

Tatum has been progressing in his recovery, but Stevens said he's still a ways away from returning. The Celtics made several trades at the deadline, including acquiring Vučević, but Stevens said Tatum's status did not impact those moves. The team wants Tatum to return when he's fully healthy and has peace of mind, without any pressure or force from the organization.

  • Tatum underwent Achilles surgery roughly nine months ago.
  • The Celtics have 31 games remaining in the regular season.

The players

Brad Stevens

Head coach of the Boston Celtics, who provided the update on Tatum's recovery.

Jayson Tatum

All-Star forward for the Boston Celtics who is recovering from Achilles surgery.

Nikola Vučević

Center acquired by the Celtics in a trade deadline move.

Jaylen Brown

All-Star forward for the Boston Celtics who has embraced the idea of Tatum returning.

Payton Pritchard

Celtics guard who has been moved to the bench with Tatum's potential return in mind.

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What they’re saying

“When we feel 100%, it'll be his, it'll be a group getting together and talking, but I think our medical people are really good, I think his doctors are really good, so we're gonna listen to them, he's listening to them.”

— Brad Stevens, Head Coach, Boston Celtics (celticsblog.com)

“I've been watching his progression and I know mentally, he's been through ups-and-downs like any other person going through adversity in their career, etc. But I just let him know, do what's best for you, because outside of it just being ysically a setback, mentally, spiritually, emotionally comes into play as well.”

— Jaylen Brown, All-Star Forward, Boston Celtics (celticsblog.com)

What’s next

The Celtics will continue to monitor Tatum's progress and recovery, with no set timeline for his return. They will wait until he is fully healthy and ready before bringing him back to the court.

The takeaway

The Celtics are prioritizing Tatum's long-term health over rushing him back this season, even as they've made moves to reshape their roster around his eventual return. The team is committed to supporting Tatum through the mental and physical challenges of his recovery, knowing his presence will be crucial for their playoff aspirations.