Joe Lacob doesn’t want to return to his hometown Celtics.
The Warriors owner and former Celtics minority owner dismissed suggestions he would be the biggest buyer of the recent NBA champions, with the team set to be put up for sale soon.
“No chance,” Lacob said. “The Athletic NBA Show” On Tuesday. “Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen. That ship sailed a long time ago. Long ago. I’m a Warrior. This is my identity, this is our identity. I love what we’ve accomplished. I love the fans, the arena and this decade. I want to do more. I just want to create an even longer and even greater legacy for this organization.”
The Massachusetts native was a minority owner of the Celtics from 2006 to 2010 before buying the Warriors for $450 million and building the franchise into one of the NBA’s most highly-regarded organizations.
His hometown team. Kelly L. Cox – USA TODAY Sports
Lacob led the Warriors to a run of NBA Finals appearances with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson and has won four championships since he bought the team.
Just weeks after the Celtics beat the Mavericks to win their NBA-record 18th championship, the team announced that its ownership group’s board of directors plans to sell a majority stake in the team in 2024 or early 2025.
The new owners will inherit an expensive roster.
Jayson Tatum signed a five-year, $314 million contract extension this summer, the richest in league history, surpassing Jaylen Brown’s five-year, $303 million contract through 2023.
Derrick White also signed a four-year, $125 million contract extension.
With Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis making more than $30 million per year, the Celtics’ combined payroll will exceed $200 million by the 2025-26 season.
Forbes Rating The Celtics are valued at $4.8 billion in 2023..
Current owner Wyck Grusbeck purchased the team in 2002 for $360 million.
