As the NBA trade deadline looms, the Boston Celtics find themselves in a familiar position: near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, but still searching for that extra piece to push them over the edge. At 28-17, they’ve weathered the storm of an up-and-down first half of the season - including a recent double-overtime thriller against the Brooklyn Nets and a narrow loss to the Chicago Bulls - all without their best player, Jayson Tatum.
That record is more than respectable. It’s a testament to a team that’s leaned heavily on elite defense and the leadership of Jaylen Brown, who’s not just playing like an All-Star - he’s making a serious case for MVP consideration.
But if Boston wants to make another deep playoff run, the roster needs some fine-tuning. Specifically, the frontcourt remains a work in progress.
A New-Look Celtics Team Still Searching for Frontcourt Stability
This isn’t the same Celtics squad that hoisted the trophy in 2024. Gone are Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Al Horford - key veterans who were instrumental in that championship run. In their place, a younger, more fluid rotation has emerged, with Neemias Queta stepping into the starting center role and Luka Garza carving out minutes as a backup.
Queta’s been solid. He’s brought energy, rim protection, and a willingness to do the dirty work.
But Boston’s 9-13 record in clutch games tells the story: they’ve struggled to close out tight contests, often losing the battle on the glass and in the paint. That’s where reinforcements could make all the difference.
Let’s dive into four trade scenarios that could help shore up the Celtics’ biggest weakness - and potentially elevate them from contender to favorite.
1. Ivica Zubac Brings Size, Toughness, and Rebounding
If Boston’s looking for a reliable big man who can rebound, protect the rim, and finish around the basket, Ivica Zubac checks all the boxes. The Clippers center is currently third in the league in rebounds per game (11.1), and he brings a physical presence the Celtics have lacked since Horford’s role diminished and Porzingis was moved.
Zubac isn’t a floor-spacing five, which typically fits better in Joe Mazzulla’s system, but he’s a massive upgrade in the areas where Boston has struggled most. He’s also under contract through the 2027-28 season, with manageable salaries of $19.5 million and $20.9 million in the final two years. That gives Boston both short- and long-term stability at the position.
The challenge? Making the deal worth it for L.A.
With James Harden and Kawhi Leonard already commanding over $92 million in cap space, the Clippers may be open to moving Zubac - especially if it helps them shed another long-term deal, like Bogdan Bogdanovic’s. A package centered around Anfernee Simons, sharpshooter Sam Hauser, and a 2026 unprotected first-round pick could get the conversation started.
2. A Long Shot: Jaren Jackson Jr. to Boston
Let’s be clear - this one’s a reach. Jaren Jackson Jr. is the centerpiece of Memphis’ defense and one of the best two-way bigs in the league. But if the Grizzlies are open to reshaping their roster in the wake of Ja Morant’s injury woes and long-term uncertainty, there’s a path for Boston to make a compelling offer.
Simons - who’s been thriving in a sixth-man role for Boston with 13.8 points on 43.3% shooting (including 39.4% from three) - has already proven he can be a high-volume scorer when given the keys to the offense. Back in Portland, he averaged 22.6 points per game as a starter. Pair that offensive upside with a first-round pick, and it’s at least a conversation starter for a Memphis team that’s thin on future draft capital.
Jackson Jr., meanwhile, is putting up 18.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting nearly 48% from the field and 36% from deep. He’d immediately elevate Boston’s defense and give them a true stretch big who can also anchor the paint. But again - Memphis would have to be sold on Simons as part of their long-term core for this to happen.
3. The Return of Timelord: A Familiar Face with Familiar Upside
The Celtics have a history of welcoming back former players - from Antoine Walker to Al Horford and even Daniel Theis. So why not Robert Williams III?
Williams, affectionately known as "Timelord," hasn’t found his footing in Portland. The Blazers are clearly focused on developing young bigs like Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, and Williams has become somewhat of an afterthought despite being relatively healthy this season. He’s appeared in 31 of 46 games after undergoing a knee procedure in 2025, and his minutes have been carefully managed.
Still, when he’s on the floor, Williams is impactful: 6.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in just 16 minutes per game. He knows Boston’s system, he’s beloved by the fanbase, and he fills a need defensively as a rim protector and lob threat.
Portland, meanwhile, could use a boost from deep - they’re last in the league in three-point percentage (33.8%). Sam Hauser, shooting a career-best 43.2% from beyond the arc on a team-friendly deal through 2028-29, could be the sweetener that gets a reunion done.
4. A Low-Key Option: Day’Ron Sharpe Adds Depth and Energy
He’s not a household name, but Day’Ron Sharpe might be exactly what Boston needs in a rotational big. The Brooklyn Nets center brings hustle, rebounding, and underrated versatility. He’s averaging 7.8 points on 60.3% shooting, along with 6.2 rebounds and a steal per game - all in a limited role.
At 24 years old and still developing, Sharpe is on a team-friendly deal with another year remaining. He’s shown flashes of being able to stretch the floor and brings the kind of high-energy presence that could thrive in Boston’s second unit. He’s not a game-changer, but as a depth piece behind Queta and Garza, he’s a smart, low-risk move.
Final Thoughts
The Celtics have proven they can win games without their full arsenal - and that’s impressive. But come playoff time, the margin for error shrinks, and Boston’s current frontcourt rotation might not be enough to get them through the Eastern Conference gauntlet.
Whether it’s a splashy move for a defensive anchor like Zubac or Jackson Jr., or a more subtle addition like Williams III or Sharpe, the Celtics have options. The question now is how aggressive Brad Stevens and the front office want to be. With Jaylen Brown playing like a man on a mission and Jayson Tatum expected back soon, the window is wide open.
Boston’s championship hopes might just hinge on who’s patrolling the paint come April.