The Boston Celtics are in the thick of another strong campaign, once again looking like a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. But as the trade deadline approaches, there’s a clear area on their roster that still feels like it could use a little reinforcement: the center position.
According to recent reports, Boston isn’t just window shopping-they’re actively working the phones in search of a starting-caliber big. The Celtics have the pieces to make something happen, including a sizable expiring contract and a few draft assets, and it sounds like they’re ready to make a move if the right opportunity presents itself.
“They've been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially,” said NBA insider Shams Charania. “They've got assets, they've got contracts to use.”
One of those contracts? Anfernee Simons’ $27.6 million expiring deal.
Boston is reportedly shopping that number around in hopes of landing a big who can anchor the paint and complement their high-octane perimeter talent. Names like Ivica Zubac, Nic Claxton, Onyeka Okongwu, and Daniel Gafford have all come up in conversations, according to reports.
If Simons is indeed the piece that gets moved, his stint in Boston will have been more of a layover than a long-term stay. The Celtics acquired him this past offseason in a deal that sent Jrue Holiday to Portland-a move that was part of the ripple effect from the Damian Lillard blockbuster the year before. Holiday briefly landed in Portland before being rerouted to Boston, and now Simons could be on the move again as Boston looks to fine-tune its roster for a deep playoff run.
Make no mistake: this Celtics team is close. They’ve got the star power, the two-way wings, and the experience.
But the center spot remains a question mark, especially when you start projecting matchups against the East’s other elite bigs. Adding a reliable, impact big man could be the final piece that transforms this team from contender to favorite.
And there’s more good news on the horizon-Jayson Tatum is expected to return to the lineup later this season. Pairing him with a new starting-caliber center would give Boston a frontcourt punch that few teams could match. With the deadline drawing near, the Celtics are clearly in go-for-it mode, and if they can land the right big, it could set the stage for a thrilling second half and a serious run at Banner 18.