If the Celtics retain their first-round pick – and, frankly, they need to because they are desperate for the inexpensive contract the selection would provide – and then fill out their roster with minimum salaries, the team payroll crosses the $500 million mark.

Last season, the Celtics set a record for revenue, thanks to the run to the title and four rounds of home playoff games. Losing Game 4 in Dallas last year, after they had a 3-0 lead, was a multimillion-dollar boon, as the Celtics clinched in front of their home fans with a lucrative home Finals game. It helped boost the franchise’s revenue to around $450 million, according to a report by Sportico.