As the NBA trade deadline creeps closer, the Boston Celtics find themselves in a familiar position: a championship-caliber team with one clear area of vulnerability. And while the buzz around big names like Ivica Zubac and Jaren Jackson Jr. has surfaced in recent weeks, the reality is that Boston is far more likely to make a measured move than swing for the fences.
Let’s be honest-Zubac and Jackson Jr. aren’t going anywhere. Both players are too important to their respective teams, and the price tags would likely be steep. That leaves Boston looking at more realistic, lower-cost options to reinforce the one spot on the roster that still feels a bit thin: the center position.
Right now, Neemias Queta has stepped up admirably in the starting role. He’s making the most of his opportunity, bringing energy, rim protection, and a physical presence in the paint.
Behind him, Luka Garza has provided a spark off the bench. His screening, hustle on the glass, and improved defense have made those second-unit minutes more stable than expected.
The Celtics also have the ability to go small when needed, with Josh Minott, Jordan Walsh, or Hugo Gonzalez offering versatility at the five in certain matchups. But let’s not sugarcoat it-if Queta or Garza were to go down, Boston would be in trouble. That’s the kind of depth concern that can derail a playoff run.
So where does that leave them?
Enter Nick Richards.
According to reporting from Michael Scotto, the Phoenix Suns are motivated to duck under the luxury tax line-and moving Richards, who’s on an expiring $5 million deal, could help them do just that. That opens the door for a potential trade partner like Boston, who could use a reliable third big to bolster the rotation heading into the postseason.
Richards hasn’t seen much run this year-just 9.1 minutes per game over 28 appearances-but don’t let the limited playing time fool you. Last season, splitting time between Charlotte and Phoenix, he averaged 9.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, including 2.6 offensive boards.
He’s a legitimate rim protector (1.2 blocks per game last year), a lob threat in the pick-and-roll, and someone who can clean the glass on both ends. At 6-foot-11, he brings size, athleticism, and a skill set that fits Boston’s needs without demanding touches.
And here’s the kicker: the price to acquire him might be as low as a protected second-round pick. That’s a manageable cost for a team in Boston’s position-especially when the goal is to solidify the back end of the rotation and prepare for the physical grind of playoff basketball.
There’s also a potential framework that could benefit both teams. Phoenix has reportedly shown some exploratory interest in Chris Boucher. A deal involving Boucher heading to the Suns and Richards landing in Boston could help Phoenix save money while giving the Celtics the depth they need at center.
Yes, Richards would be a rental. But for a team with legitimate title aspirations, this is the kind of move that makes sense. He wouldn’t need to play 25 minutes a night-just enough to give Queta and Garza some breathing room and keep Boston’s interior defense intact if injuries strike.
Bottom line: This isn’t about making a splash. It’s about shoring up the one weak link in an otherwise loaded roster. And if the Celtics can do that by adding a player like Nick Richards at a low cost, it could be the kind of under-the-radar move that pays dividends when the games matter most.