The Boston Celtics are no strangers to trade buzz this time of year. With the deadline approaching, the chatter around potential frontcourt reinforcements is picking up steam - and Boston’s name is once again front and center. The big question: Who’s actually on the Celtics’ radar, and more importantly, who can they realistically land?
A few marquee names have been floated recently, including Clippers center Ivica Zubac and Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. Both are high-impact players who would undeniably bolster Boston’s interior presence.
Zubac brings size, rebounding, and efficient finishing around the rim, while Jackson Jr. is a dynamic rim protector who can stretch the floor - a rare and valuable combination. But here’s the rub: these guys aren’t just productive, they’re also expensive - in both salary and trade capital.
Pulling off a deal for either would likely mean parting with significant assets, and in today’s tight cap landscape, the margin for error is razor thin.
That’s why the Celtics might be eyeing more attainable options. Names like Daniel Gafford from Dallas and Day’Ron Sharpe from Brooklyn have popped up in recent conversations. These aren’t blockbuster moves on paper, but they could be smart, strategic additions that fill specific needs without gutting the roster or blowing up the books.
Gafford, for instance, brings vertical spacing and shot-blocking - a high-energy big who can thrive in limited minutes off the bench or step up when needed. Sharpe is still developing but has shown flashes as a physical, rebounding presence with upside. Neither would require the kind of haul that Zubac or Jackson Jr. would demand, making them intriguing possibilities for a Celtics team that’s already deep and doesn’t need a seismic shift - just a few tweaks to round out the rotation.
The crew over at Havlicek Stole the Pod recently broke down the Celtics’ trade outlook, diving into what they’ve heard from around the league and exploring potential fits both big and small. Whether Boston decides to swing big or stay conservative, it’s clear the front office is at least doing its homework.
The Celtics are in a strong position - top-tier talent, solid depth, and a front office that’s proven it knows how to build around its stars. But with the postseason looming and every possession magnified in the playoffs, even small upgrades can make a big difference.
The trade deadline clock is ticking, and Boston has options. Now it’s just a matter of choosing the right one.