The Boston Celtics have been one of the NBA’s biggest surprises this season - and not in the “scrappy underdog” kind of way. They’ve gone from fringe playoff hopefuls to legitimate contenders in the East, and with the trade deadline fast approaching, they’re in a position few expected: one move away from making a real push for the Finals, with or without Jayson Tatum at full strength.
The Celtics' core has played inspired basketball, but if there’s one area that still feels a bit thin, it’s the frontcourt - particularly at center. Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have held their own in spot minutes, but when it comes to matching up against the elite bigs in a seven-game series, Boston may need more than just effort and hustle.
Big names like Ivica Zubac, Nic Claxton, Jarrett Allen, and Myles Turner have surfaced in trade rumors. And yes, all four would be excellent fits on paper.
But the price tags - both in salary and draft capital - are steep. Boston’s already tight on cap space, and mortgaging future picks for a high-end center isn’t a move Brad Stevens will make lightly, especially if those players aren’t even guaranteed to be available.
That brings us to some more affordable - and still intriguing - options. These aren’t blockbuster names, but they’re the kind of under-the-radar additions that could quietly elevate Boston’s rotation without blowing up the roster or the books.
1. Yves Missi - New Orleans Pelicans
Missi might not be a household name, but the 21-year-old big man is drawing interest around the league - and for good reason. Drafted by a previous regime in New Orleans, he's seen his role shrink with the emergence of Derik Queen. But that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute elsewhere.
Missi has the tools you want in a modern rim protector: size, mobility, and timing. His offense is still raw, but he runs the floor well and brings energy on both ends. For a Celtics team that could use another interior presence, he checks a lot of boxes.
Financially, he’s a dream. Missi is making just $3.3 million this season and is under team control for two more years.
That kind of cost-controlled contract is gold in today’s NBA. He’s the type of player worth parting with a protected first-rounder or a couple of second-rounders for - a low-risk, high-upside move.
2. Santi Aldama - Memphis Grizzlies
Santi Aldama isn’t your traditional five, but that might be exactly why he fits what Joe Mazzulla wants to do. At nearly seven feet, Aldama brings a rare blend of size, shooting, and playmaking. He’s not going to bang with the league’s biggest bruisers, but in a switch-heavy, pace-and-space system, he makes sense.
He’s smart, skilled, and versatile - the kind of player who can slide between the four and five depending on matchups. His ability to stretch the floor and pass out of the high post would give Boston a new wrinkle offensively.
The challenge? His $18.5 million salary this season complicates the math.
Boston would need to get creative to match salaries, and that could mean parting with a rotation piece. But if the Celtics believe Aldama could be a long-term fit, it’s a gamble worth considering.
3. Kel’el Ware - Miami Heat
Kel’el Ware was supposed to take a leap this season. It hasn’t quite happened.
The 21-year-old has shown flashes, but consistency has been an issue, and he’s struggled to earn Erik Spoelstra’s trust in crunch time. Questions about his effort have surfaced, and his role has diminished as a result.
But here’s the thing: the talent is still there. Ware is a seven-footer who can shoot, protect the rim, and move well for his size.
Players with that kind of skill set don’t grow on trees. If he’s truly fallen out of favor in Miami, this could be a buy-low opportunity for Boston.
Whether the Heat would be willing to send a young asset to a conference rival is a big "if," but if the door cracks open, the Celtics should be ready to walk through it. Ware has the potential to develop into a long-term starter - and Boston might be the right environment for him to unlock that next level.
4. Jay Huff - Indiana Pacers
If the Celtics are looking for a plug-and-play rim protector who won’t cost much, Jay Huff is the guy. Quietly, he’s been one of the league’s best shot-blockers this season. His 3.7 blocks per 36 minutes lead the NBA, and he’s done it while logging nearly 20 minutes a night for the Pacers.
Huff isn’t just a shot-blocker, either. He can stretch the floor - a rare and valuable combo for a big man. That kind of two-way impact is something Boston has missed since Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis have been in and out of the lineup.
At 27, Huff is a bit older than some of the other names on this list, but he’s on a minimum deal and could likely be had for a couple of second-round picks. For a team that’s trying to win now, that’s a bargain.
And with the Pacers sitting at 11-36 and clearly building toward next season, Indiana might be more than willing to stockpile future assets while giving Huff a shot at playing meaningful playoff basketball.
The Bottom Line:
The Celtics don’t need a superstar center to make a deep run - they just need someone who can hold the line, protect the rim, and play within their system. Whether it’s a young flyer like Missi or Ware, a versatile piece like Aldama, or a ready-made role player like Huff, there are options out there that won’t require breaking the bank.
Boston’s front office has been patient and strategic in building this roster. If they can find the right low-cost addition to shore up the frontcourt, they might just have the depth and balance to make another Finals run - and this time, finish the job.