SHOCKING NEWS: Moments Ago, Brad Stevens Announces Stunning Decision to Step Down as Celtics President of Basketball Operations — Will Return Full-Time as General Manager, Citing Loyalty and Passion for “Hands-On Basketball”
Boston, MA — In a development that no one saw coming, Brad Stevens has just made a blockbuster announcement: he is officially stepping down from his high-profile role as President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics and will instead refocus full-time on his role as the team’s General Manager—a hands-on position he says brings him closer to the game he loves.
The announcement, made during a hastily scheduled press conference at TD Garden just minutes ago, has sent shockwaves through Celtics Nation and the broader NBA world. Stevens, who has overseen the Celtics’ front office since 2021, was widely credited with building one of the league’s most competitive rosters—crafting the dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and orchestrating trades to acquire key talents like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.
But today, Stevens made it clear: it’s time to get even closer to the court.
> “Basketball is in my blood,” Stevens said emotionally. “And while I’ve been proud of what we’ve built from the top, I’ve missed the everyday grind, the face-to-face decision making, the locker room relationships. My loyalty lies with the game itself—being in the mix, being present, and helping this team win from the trenches.”
He clarified that his new role won’t be just a title swap, but a full transition back to a more traditional general manager capacity, where he will oversee day-to-day basketball operations, player development, and direct communication with the coaching staff. A new President of Basketball Operations will be named in the coming weeks, Stevens confirmed.
The decision comes at a crucial moment for the Celtics, who are entering the 2025 season with championship expectations and one of the most expensive—and talented—rosters in the league.
Sources close to the organization say Stevens felt a growing disconnect between his passion for basketball strategy and the increasingly administrative nature of his role as president.
> “Brad’s always been about basketball, not boardrooms,” one Celtics executive said. “This move lets him get his fingerprints back on the court. It’s not a step back—it’s a step deeper.”
Fan reaction has been a mix of surprise and support. Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement, with Celtics fans praising Stevens’ decision as one driven by love of the game, not ego or politics.
On Twitter, one fan wrote: “Real recognize real. Brad’s going back to what he loves. We ride with you, coach-GM-legend!”
Even former players chimed in. Gordon Hayward tweeted: “Classic Brad move. Pure heart. That’s why he’s one of the best.”
Whether this shift will spark a new energy within the Celtics organization remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Brad Stevens isn’t chasing titles from the skybox anymore—he’s getting back in the trenches, where he believes championships are truly won.
And in Boston, that kind of loyalty still means everything.
