In a surprising turn that could reshape the Eastern Conference landscape, Boston Celtics general manager Brad Stevens is reportedly keeping his options open—possibly even for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. According to NESN’s Colin Keane, the Celtics “could pursue” James under the right circumstances, especially as the team faces an uncertain year ahead with Jayson Tatum expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season.
A Bold Move For the Boston Celtics Amid Uncertainty
Brad Stevens has a reputation for creative front-office maneuvers, and this offseason is no different. Despite operating with limited assets, the Boston Celtics have made modest yet strategic decisions. However, with their top star sidelined, speculation is rising around a bigger swing.
Keane outlined why the Celtics could be a logical destination for LeBron James should he be bought out by the Lakers: “For the Celtics, pursuing LeBron makes more sense than most people might realize. With Jayson Tatum expected to miss the 2025–26 season, LeBron James could fill a significant chunk of the void without cutting into Boston’s long-term cap space,” he wrote.
Cap Flexibility and Core Strength for the Boston Celtics
A key part of Keane’s argument centers on Boston’s cap situation. If LeBron enters free agency through a buyout, the Celtics could structure a short-term deal that doesn’t tie up future financial flexibility. That would allow Stevens to keep the long-term plan intact while still fielding a competitive team in the interim.
Potential Core Without Tatum
- LeBron James – veteran leadership, playmaking
- Jaylen Brown – emerging as co-leader
- Derrick White – steady backcourt presence
Together, this trio could carry the Boston Celtics through a weakened Eastern Conference, keeping them relevant until Tatum’s return.
High Risk, High Reward for the Celtics?
It’s not lost on anyone that this move would be one of the boldest in recent Boston Celtics history. LeBron’s legacy with rival franchises, most notably the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, coupled with his battles against the Celtics throughout the years, makes such a scenario feel almost surreal.
Still, Keane suggests the opportunity might be too good to ignore: “A buyout situation would minimize financial strain for Brad Stevens, allowing the Celtics to pair LeBron James with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, forming a formidable core in a weak Eastern Conference.”
What Happens When Tatum Returns?
This is where the plan gets tricky. Once Tatum is back in full health, would there be enough room—on the floor and in the salary cap—for both him and James? Keane notes that while Tatum’s eventual return would reduce the need for LeBron, the short-term gain might justify the temporary overlap. In a league where championship windows are small and often unpredictable, a short-term solution could keep the Boston Celtics in contention rather than losing a full season.
Market Competition Inevitable
If LeBron James is indeed bought out, Boston would not be alone in pursuit. Nearly every team with a playoff ambition would be interested, and James himself would have a say in any potential landing spot. What might set Boston apart, however, is the combination of legacy, competitiveness, and the chance to stay in the spotlight while mentoring young stars like Brown and Tatum.
Summary Table: Key Factors in Potential LeBron-Celtics Scenario
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Urged to Target $27 million Chicago Bulls’ Star in Midseason Trade to bolster squad around LeBron James
Long-Term Impact Minimal if deal is short-term and Tatum returns as planned
While the idea of LeBron James donning a Boston Celtics jersey might seem far-fetched, it fits within Brad Stevens’ pattern of calculated risk-taking. With a weakened Eastern Conference and Tatum sidelined, Boston could justify a swing for the King—at least for one season. It’s a wait-and-see scenario, but one that NBA fans, particularly in Boston, will be watching closely.
A Bold Move For the Boston Celtics Amid Uncertainty
Brad Stevens has a reputation for creative front-office maneuvers, and this offseason is no different. Despite operating with limited assets, the Boston Celtics have made modest yet strategic decisions. However, with their top star sidelined, speculation is rising around a bigger swing.
Keane outlined why the Celtics could be a logical destination for LeBron James should he be bought out by the Lakers: “For the Celtics, pursuing LeBron makes more sense than most people might realize. With Jayson Tatum expected to miss the 2025–26 season, LeBron James could fill a significant chunk of the void without cutting into Boston’s long-term cap space,” he wrote.
Cap Flexibility and Core Strength for the Boston Celtics
A key part of Keane’s argument centers on Boston’s cap situation. If LeBron enters free agency through a buyout, the Celtics could structure a short-term deal that doesn’t tie up future financial flexibility. That would allow Stevens to keep the long-term plan intact while still fielding a competitive team in the interim.
Potential Core Without Tatum
- LeBron James – veteran leadership, playmaking
- Jaylen Brown – emerging as co-leader
- Derrick White – steady backcourt presence
Together, this trio could carry the Boston Celtics through a weakened Eastern Conference, keeping them relevant until Tatum’s return.
High Risk, High Reward for the Celtics?
It’s not lost on anyone that this move would be one of the boldest in recent Boston Celtics history. LeBron’s legacy with rival franchises, most notably the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, coupled with his battles against the Celtics throughout the years, makes such a scenario feel almost surreal.
Still, Keane suggests the opportunity might be too good to ignore: “A buyout situation would minimize financial strain for Brad Stevens, allowing the Celtics to pair LeBron James with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, forming a formidable core in a weak Eastern Conference.”
What Happens When Tatum Returns?
This is where the plan gets tricky. Once Tatum is back in full health, would there be enough room—on the floor and in the salary cap—for both him and James? Keane notes that while Tatum’s eventual return would reduce the need for LeBron, the short-term gain might justify the temporary overlap. In a league where championship windows are small and often unpredictable, a short-term solution could keep the Boston Celtics in contention rather than losing a full season.
Market Competition Inevitable
If LeBron James is indeed bought out, Boston would not be alone in pursuit. Nearly every team with a playoff ambition would be interested, and James himself would have a say in any potential landing spot. What might set Boston apart, however, is the combination of legacy, competitiveness, and the chance to stay in the spotlight while mentoring young stars like Brown and Tatum.
Summary Table: Key Factors in Potential LeBron-Celtics Scenario
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Urged to Target $27 million Chicago Bulls’ Star in Midseason Trade to bolster squad around LeBron James
Long-Term Impact Minimal if deal is short-term and Tatum returns as planned
While the idea of LeBron James donning a Boston Celtics jersey might seem far-fetched, it fits within Brad Stevens’ pattern of calculated risk-taking. With a weakened Eastern Conference and Tatum sidelined, Boston could justify a swing for the King—at least for one season. It’s a wait-and-see scenario, but one that NBA fans, particularly in Boston, will be watching closely.
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