A first-round exit isn't going to cut it. After squandering a 3-1 series lead for the first time in franchise history, the Boston Celtics are putting all of the problems that have plagued them in recent postseasons under a microscope. From their offensive approach to handling prosperity, nothing is off limits.
Regarding the latter, from its Finals run in 2022 until now, Boston is 7-9 after a playoff win of at least 15 points. That excludes how the team fared to start a new series after a closeout victory that reached or exceeded that figure.
In this year's first-round rivalry clash against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics went 0-2 after winning the previous contest by at least 15 points. Those two losses came on the heels of decisive victories by over 30 points.
If there's a game that can swing the series, those who put their money on Boston are often rewarded. If the Celtics are in the driver's seat, they have a bad habit of easing their foot off the gas.
Brad Stevens when asked about the Celtics struggling at home in recent postseasons and not handling prosperity well:
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) May 6, 2026
“That’s a big talking point…We need to get better at that.”
He also notes handling “prosperity within the game.” pic.twitter.com/7R9dXegI0d
Is a Giannis trade next for the Celtics?
When Brad Stevens spoke at this week's end-of-season press conference, his comments on what's missing from Boston's offense and how the team must address it sparked visions of Giannis Antetokounmpo in green.
"My general feeling watching us play, in really each of the last two playoffs, in the second round against New York, even against Orlando in the first round, was, we had a hard time generating really good looks on that first shot," said Stevens. "One of the things that we've got to figure out is how to have more of an impact at the rim. And I think we do need to add to our team to do that."
Antetokounmpo exemplifies what he's looking for. The two-time league MVP led the Association in points in the paint this season. He produced 18.7 per contest. He also generated 11.2 attempts in the restricted area. Again, no one registered more. His relentless downhill attack also resulted in 9.9 free-throw attempts, the second-most in the 2025-26 campaign.
However, Stevens didn't just arrive at the podium and speak candidly and critically. He was also measured. The Celtics could set off summer fireworks. However, a blockbuster trade seems unlikely.
Instead, listening to the organization's president of basketball operations, it sounded like the franchise will take a more measured approach this offseason.
When asked about the possibility of making a drastic move in response to the team's first-round exit, Stevens responded that its decision-makers will "get together and determine the best course of action for building the best team that we can, that's also sustainable over a long period." He added, "We just have to be better around the margins."
Acquiring Antetokounmpo may cost Boston Jaylen Brown. That's not a move made when trying to build a sustainable contender. It's also the opposite of aiming to improve around the margins.
Antetokounmpo turns 32 in December. Given the concerns about his durability and how gracefully his game may or may not age, the Celtics would be justified in opting against taking on those risks at the expense of Brown.
On his Twitch stream, the former Finals MVP declared his love for Boston and desire to remain there. It's rare to find someone who has zero complaints about their work setup. However, that didn't sound like a person who's about to ask for a trade. If the Celtics don't have to, and it doesn't seem like they do, then they shouldn't.
Instead, the focus appears to be on acquisitions that will best support Brown and Jayson Tatum -- not break them up -- as it should be.
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