Celtics fans will love Mike Zarren's bombshell about this summer's challenge

The Boston Celtics have moved shrewdly to get under the second apron. However, parting with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis cost the organization people it wished it didn't have to lose.

"I've been through a lot; this is my 22nd season with the team. We've seen a lot of good players come and go over that time, and some you get to know better than others, and it's sad when they leave," said Celtics vice president of basketball operations and team counsel Mike Zarren, speaking on the heels of the second round of the draft. "There's a bit of wistfulness always when guys move on, but at the same time, the rules are the same rules for everyone."

What Zarren is, of course, referring to is the punishing nature of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement. It's what forced Boston to find new homes for Holiday and Porzingis.

The expectation that the franchise's second-round picks this year, Amari Williams and Max Shulga, join the team on two-way deals would save the organization about $2.3 million.

The Celtics are close to getting below the third tax bracket. The first apron is in sight, and they're $15.1 million over the luxury tax threshold, per NBA salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan of capsheets.com. They may not dip under the latter two, but they've lessened their financial burden.

Boston can also aggregate salaries in a trade now. It's one of the benefits gained by getting below the second apron.

Regaining flexibility was crucial to the team's long-term success. As for the present, the way the Celtics are operating signals a franchise embracing a gap year. As Jayson Tatum rehabs from a torn Achilles that's likely to cost him the upcoming season, this was the time to reset.

The Celtics have no regrets

Boston's withdrawal from championship contention arrived swiftly. It's a stunning reality for the team that lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy 12 months ago. At the time, the talk was whether they'd usher in the NBA's next dynasty.

But as they adapt to their new reality, Zarren delivered a quote that captures how Celtics fans feel and will stick with them during what they hope will be a one-year hiatus from title-contender status.

"There was a good moment to seize, and I think we seized it, and there's a banner that'll be here forever because of it," said the team's vice president of basketball operations. "We're working towards the next one now."