Could Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum’s 2025-26 season be over before it begins?
The NBA champion has been recovering from the torn Achilles he suffered during the 2025 playoffs and had been expected to return for the 29-18 Celtics.
But according to Chris Haynes, the senior NBA Insider for NBA on Prime, league sources say Tatum is re-evaluating his situation and could ultimately sit out the entire 2025-26 campaign.
That would come as a major blow for an increasingly optimistic fan base that was hoping to get the six-time All-Star back for a playoff push.
It’s unclear if the 27-year-old Tatum suffered any setback in his recovery or if he or the team are just being cautious. Tatum is signed through the 2029-30 season after agreeing to a five-year, $313 million deal with Boston.
Tatum said he’d like to play another decade so he can follow in LeBron James’ footsteps and suit up with his own son, Deuce. James is currently Lakers teammates with his eldest, Bronny.
‘He turns 8, I’m 27, it’s like, “Man, can I play 10 more years?” Tatum told the Morris Code, a podcast hosted by twins and former NBA forwards, Marcus and Markieff Morris. ‘I can easily do that. I mean, if it were to work out, that would be cool.’
It’s unclear if the 27-year-old Tatum suffered any setback in his recovery
Tatum greets Jaylen Brown, who has put up MVP-caliber numbers in Tatum’s absence
Deuce was born back in December 2017. He is the son of the NBA All-Star and his high school girlfriend, Toriah Lachell.
Last year, Tatum – who now has a second child with British singer Ella Mai – revealed that Deuce has begun taking his first steps in the sport.
‘He just started playing basketball on the organized team,’ Tatum told People. ‘So he’s really starting to fall in love with the game. It’s exciting to see that.’
Deuce, whose full name is Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr, is regularly spotted courtside at Celtics games.
In Tatum’s absence, the surprising Celtics have rallied around Jaylen Brown, who has put up MVP-caliber numbers by averaging nearly 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists per game.
