Mark Cuban recently discussed the Boston Celtics’ staggering financial commitment to their roster, particularly in the wake of signing Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to record-breaking contracts. During an appearance on the Roommates Podcast, Cuban was asked by Josh Hart how the Celtics could afford to keep their core players together despite the NBA’s stringent salary cap and luxury tax rules. Cuban’s response was simple but pointed:
“You can still pay somebody and take it wherever you want to take it. You just got to pay the luxury tax. After you’re past the second apron. I think they freeze your first-round pick.”
“If you’re past the apron in the second year, then they move it to the last pick of the draft. And then on top of that, you can’t make sign and trades and all these other stuff.”
“So they did all those deals before a lot of these things kicked in, knowing when those deals are paying all those guys all that money, it’s going to be expensive. It’s really going to be expensive. But if you’re going to win, then it’s worth it. And they beat us. They got the trophy and you know, what’s that worth?” (19:32)
The Celtics are on track to pay an estimated $513 million in salaries and luxury taxes for the 2025-26 season, making them the most expensive team in NBA history. This figure includes $227 million in payroll, with the potential to rise to $235 million once Boston fills out its remaining roster spots. The luxury tax bill alone is expected to hit $280 million, surpassing previous records held by the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors.
Cuban highlighted the severe penalties teams face when exceeding the NBA’s second luxury tax apron. For instance, teams can have their first-round draft picks frozen or moved to the last spot in the draft, and they lose the ability to make sign-and-trade deals.
Despite these penalties, the Celtics made the strategic decision to retain their star players and go all-in on winning championships, even if it means absorbing unprecedented financial costs.
The Celtics’ commitment to keeping their roster intact underscores their belief that the price is worth paying if it results in championships. The team secured the 2024 NBA title by defeating Cuban’s Dallas Mavericks 4-1 in the Finals, which only strengthens the argument that their financial gamble has paid off thus far.
However, the real challenge for the Boston Celtics lies ahead. As Mark Cuban pointed out, maintaining this level of spending while navigating the NBA’s financial restrictions will be difficult. The question remains whether Boston can continue to justify these expenses by defending their title in the coming seasons. If they succeed, the cost will be seen as justified. If not, the Celtics could face tough decisions about the future of their star-studded lineup.
