Jayson Tatum injury news forces Celtics into dilemma with no obvious fix

The results are in. Jayson Tatum suffered a torn right Achilles tendon, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The six-time All-Star underwent surgery on Tuesday. It's a franchise-altering injury for the Boston Celtics.

The soon-to-be four-time All-NBA First Team selection was having a historic night before pushing off his right leg in pursuit of a loose ball and falling to the floor at Madison Square Garden, writhing in pain.

Tatum poured in 42 points while knocking down 16/28 field goal attempts, including 7/16 threes, carrying the visitors' offense in their 121-113 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 4. It's a defeat that gave the latter a 3-1 series lead, bringing Boston to the brink of elimination.

"They'll be ready, and that's just who they are," Joe Mazzulla told Hardwood Houdini after Monday's loss when asked about preparing a prideful and accomplished group to fight for their season in Game 5 on Wednesday.

"It's been that way. It's the locker room they have, and they'll be ready," continued Mazzulla. "So, you trust the character of the guys in moments like this, and you take it one game at a time."

"We've got enough in this locker room," voiced Jaylen Brown from the post-game podium. "I believe in my guys. We pick our heads back up tomorrow and go from there."

The NBA reigning champions' roster was already likely in store for a summer makeover. Now, those changes could get more significant. It's hard to justify staying over the second apron if Tatum's timetable suggests he's out for the 2025-26 season.

Trading Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Sam Hauser are in play. They may be more likely to play elsewhere than return to Boston.

There's also the question of what this means for Al Horford. The Celtics' elder statesman is still playing at a high level. He describes his workout regimen as a lifestyle and has positioned himself to play into his 40s.

But Horford turns 39 in June. As much as he loves Boston, does he leave for a team better suited to contend next year? Does he walk away before he wants to?

It's an unfortunate situation Horford's now subjected to. Thus is the Celtics' new reality.

There's also the question of whether Tatum's injury impacts the prospect of free-agent center Luke Kornet re-signing. If his return required a hometown discount, a more lucrative offer and a starting role may have become too compelling to pass up.

Everything is on the table for the Celtics now

The Celtics may prove committed to moving forward with Jaylen Brown, believing that when Tatum returns, the team's star duo and Derrick White is a trio that will keep them in championship contention.

However, the harsh reality is that franchises around the league will inquire about Brown's availability. Boston may even initiate some of those conversations.

Perhaps the Celtics or Dallas Mavericks inquire about a deal centered around trading the 2024 NBA Finals MVP for the No. 1 overall pick and the chance to select elite prospect and Maine native Cooper Flagg.

Parting with Brown, a franchise cornerstone who has given so much to the city he stars in, would be painful. After years of his name circulating in trade rumors that never materialized, it would be cruel for a significant injury to the other half of Boston's star tandem to end his time there.

Again, these are the unpleasant conversations that must now take place.

What will the Celtics look for in a Holiday or Porzingis trade?

The primary motivation for moving Holiday or Porzingis is getting under the second apron. Before Tatum's Achilles tear, this author believed it would require multiple offseasons. Now, that process could get expedited.

That means the return for either individual will involve the Celtics absorbing less money than they're sending, at least for the 2025-26 campaign.

Still, who and what draft capital Boston receives will play a significant role in sufficiently supporting Tatum and whoever remains when he's ready to resume leading this franchise.

There's an abundance of productive players who are making less than Porzingis and Holiday. The former enters next season on an expiring $30.7 million contract. The latter will spend the upcoming campaign in the second of a four-year pact worth $134.4 million. He's on the books for $32.4 million in 2025-26.

Lower-body injuries, including a rare foot ailment, plagued Porzingis last postseason, forcing him to miss most of the Celtics' title run. He's battled an illness on and off since March. It's an energy-zapping virus reducing his role and production.

The seven-foot-two center has come off the bench in Boston's last three games against the Knicks. He logged over 20 minutes in the Game 4 loss. It was the first time he did so in this series.

While it's an encouraging sign as he tries to put this illness behind him, he hasn't given his team much of a lift. He's taking 2.4 threes per game this postseason, converting them at a 13.6 percent clip. He's shooting 33.3 percent from the field. The former All-Star is averaging 8.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and nearly 1.0 blocks.

The durability concerns surrounding a seven-foot-two center who turns 30 in August and is on a hefty expiring contract will significantly impact what teams are willing to offer for his services.

A factor such as shedding a multi-year contract for one that will come off their books faster will be the motive for potential suitors. Some may be willing to gamble on Porzingis staying healthy and helping them in the postseason. Regarding the latter, perhaps a franchise like the Orlando Magic would take a chance on him in hopes of propping up their offense.

Holiday's contract and turning 35 in June will negatively impact what the Celtics can get for him. However, he's still productive, and his leadership is a valuable trait, especially for franchises led by younger stars.

The two-time All-Star has fought through a hamstring strain to average 9.7 points, 4.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals this postseason. He's done a commendable job defending players ranging from Jalen Brunson to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

The return for Holiday could go towards getting the Celtics under the second apron and include draft picks or younger players capable of helping Boston contend in future seasons.

The Celtics' president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, and the rest of the team's front office's ability to salvage a doomsday scenario, hitting on the return for who they part with, is paramount to Boston putting title contention on pause, rather than watching its championship window close.