It's much too soon to predict whether Jayson Tatum will play for the Boston Celtics in 2025-26. But it's very clear he wants to -- and that in itself could pay dividends for the franchise as a whole.

Tatum, who suffered a ruptured Achilles in mid-May during Game 4 of Boston's second-round playoff series vs. the New York Knicks, told multiple media outlets Tuesday that he hasn't ruled out returning to action this season.

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"I have a goal in mind," Tatum told NBC's TODAY With Jenna & Friends . "What I will say is I'm not working out, rehabbing six days a week for no reason."

Tatum took things a step further in an interview with Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix , admitting he has a date "circled" on his calendar

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