Banner 18 was the perfect ending to an amazing Boston Celtics season, but just a few months after they paraded through the streets, the organization was hit with a giant news wave—Wyc Grousbeck is selling the team.
On his eponymous podcast, Bill Simmons recently reported that Jeff Bezos is interested in buying the team. “I think legitimate buzz about Jeff Bezos buying the Celtics, and I think it’s real,” Simmons said. “I think he’s gonna be one of the suitors.”
But that news only came after a well-known sports owner was pushed to the front of the table in ownership rumors. Fenway Sports Group, headlined by John Henry, was reportedly planning on making a bid to buy the Celtics. However, those rumblings may have died down.
Massarotti: John Henry might not want to buy the Celtics
According to Tony Massarotti of Felger & Mazz on 98.5 The Sports Hub, Henry is not interested in buying the team.
"My understanding is that not want the Celtics,” said Massarotti.
Mazz: "My understanding is that [John Henry and Fenway Sports Group do] not want the Celtics" 👀@FelgerAndMazz pic.twitter.com/fk17gHw5kZ
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) August 20, 2024
Now, Massarotti made it very clear that he was simply stating his opinion with this take. He said that he isn’t reporting anything but simply sharing his thoughts on the matter, so there is still a chance Henry could get in on the action.
Henry, who owns the Boston Red Sox, has rapidly become synonymous with cheapness. He has consistently failed to pay some of the Red Sox’s best players, choosing instead to either trade them or let them walk in free agency. Mookie Betts is perhaps the most infamous of the bunch, as Henry traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020.
For the Celtics, that type of business would be a disaster.
Boston already has one of the most expensive payrolls in the league, and as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s extensions kick in even further, the money will only get worse.
Should someone like Henry purchase the team, there’s a chance they may choose to break up the Celtics’ core for financial purposes.
Until there is legitimate reporting about a potential bid on the team, though, fans should simply enjoy the current ownership’s group willingness to spend.