Celtics President Stevens Reveals Ownership's Openness to Future Spending

Boston's front office has flexibility to make moves, despite recent cost-cutting trades.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens said the team's ownership has given him the green light to spend when needed, despite recent trades that saved the team money. Stevens noted that while the Celtics cut costs at the trade deadline, they will be open to making big moves in the future if the right opportunity arises.

Why it matters

This statement from Stevens provides reassurance to Celtics fans who were concerned the team's ownership may be unwilling to spend on the roster, similar to criticism of the Boston Red Sox's spending habits in recent years. It signals the Celtics' willingness to be aggressive in free agency and on the trade market to build a championship contender around stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

The details

The Celtics made several trades at the deadline that saved them money, including dealing away wing Josh Minott, forward Chris Boucher, and center Xavier Tillman Sr. They also traded guard Anfernee Simons to the Bulls in exchange for center Nikola Vucevic, which saved them around $6 million. However, Stevens said these moves were more about addressing positional needs than just cutting costs. He emphasized that the team will spend when the right opportunity arises, with the full support of owner Bill Chisholm.

  • The Celtics made their deadline trades on February 5, 2026.
  • Stevens made these comments during a press conference on February 6, 2026.

The players

Brad Stevens

The President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics, who previously served as the team's head coach from 2013 to 2021.

Bill Chisholm

The owner of the Boston Celtics, who took over the team in 2025.

Jayson Tatum

An All-Star forward and one of the Celtics' franchise players.

Jaylen Brown

An All-Star guard and the other key part of the Celtics' star duo alongside Tatum.

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What they’re saying

“But, next year if there's something that we look at and we say, 'We got to take advantage of it right now', then we're going to try to take advantage of it.”

— Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations, Boston Celtics (clutchpoints.com)

“Bill has been really clear with that.”

— Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations, Boston Celtics (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Celtics will look to continue their winning ways and build momentum heading into the All-Star break. They currently sit in third place in the Eastern Conference, just 4.5 games behind the first-place Detroit Pistons.

The takeaway

This statement from Celtics President Brad Stevens provides assurance to the team's fanbase that ownership is willing to spend and be aggressive in building a championship contender around stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, even if it means going into the luxury tax. This signals a shift from the team's recent cost-cutting moves and suggests the Celtics will be active in free agency and the trade market to improve their roster.