Brad Stevens spent the summer reducing the Boston Celtics’ payroll. As constructed last season, the franchise was heading toward nearly $500 million in salaries and luxury taxes for the 2025-26 season. With Jayson Tatum expected to miss most, if not all, of the season, Stevens opted to part ways with Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet and Al Horford.

Those moves positioned the Celtics as a retooling team. They’re viewed as potential sellers as we get closer to the Feb. 5 trade deadline. One team that could be looking for impactful reinforcements is the Dallas Mavericks, who, despite adding Cooper Flagg with the top pick in the 2025 NBA draft, has started the season with a 2-6 record.

In a Nov. 6 article for Bleacher Report, Dan Favale listed Celtics’ champion and reigning

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