As the NBA trade deadline draws near, the Boston Celtics find themselves in a familiar yet enviable position: firmly in contention, but still looking for ways to elevate their ceiling. On Friday, ESPN’s Shams Charania joined The Pat McAfee Show and dropped a noteworthy nugget-Jaylen Brown, in his eyes, has to be in the MVP conversation. That’s no small praise, and it speaks volumes about how impactful Brown has been for a Celtics team sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference.
Let’s start there. Brown’s evolution this season has been more than just statistical.
He’s stepped into a leadership role with confidence, balancing his scoring punch with defensive intensity and a growing ability to make the right play at the right time. With Jayson Tatum still working his way back from injury, Brown hasn’t just kept the ship afloat-he’s steered it.
Boston’s second-place standing in the East isn’t just a testament to their depth or coaching; it’s a direct reflection of Brown’s emergence as a tone-setter on both ends of the floor.
But while Brown’s play has been MVP-caliber, the Celtics aren’t resting on their laurels. According to Charania, Boston is actively exploring the trade market, particularly with an eye toward landing a “big-time starting center.”
That’s a significant detail. It suggests that while the Celtics have been dominant-ranking second in the league in both defensive rating and net rating, and scoring the second-most points per 100 possessions-they still see room to upgrade in the frontcourt.
And that’s where things get interesting.
Neemias Queta has impressed in his starting role, bringing energy, rebounding, and a growing sense of defensive timing. Luka Garza’s return to the rotation has also paid dividends, especially with his improved pick-and-roll coverage and his ability to stretch the floor. But if Boston is indeed hunting for a “big-time” center, that likely means they’re looking for someone with a more established résumé-someone who can anchor the paint in a playoff series and handle the physicality that comes with deep postseason runs.
Two names have surfaced in connection with Boston: Ivica Zubac and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Zubac, the Clippers’ starting center, fits the mold of a traditional big. He’s strong in the post, solid on the glass, and knows how to operate within a team defensive scheme. He won’t stretch the floor, but he’ll give you consistent rim protection and a reliable presence in the paint-something that could prove invaluable in an Eastern Conference where teams like Milwaukee and Cleveland still rely heavily on interior scoring.
Jackson, on the other hand, is a different kind of weapon. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year offers elite shot-blocking, switchability, and the ability to space the floor with his three-point shooting.
He’s the kind of modern five who could thrive in Joe Mazzulla’s system, giving Boston even more versatility on both ends. But there’s a catch: his contract.
Under the current collective bargaining agreement, adding a deal that averages over $51 million annually for the next four years is a tough pill to swallow, even for a team as all-in as the Celtics.
So, what’s the play here?
Boston has the assets. They’ve got movable contracts, young talent, and the kind of draft capital that can grease the wheels of a deadline deal.
But they also have the luxury of standing pat. This is a team that’s already shown it can win at a high level.
If they believe in their internal growth-especially with Tatum nearing a return-they may decide that continuity is the best path forward.
Speaking of Tatum, his rehab is another key variable. The six-time All-Star recently hit the eight-month mark in his recovery and has been ramping up on-court workouts.
If he returns in February or March, even at less than full strength, he could still be the most impactful “addition” any contender makes before the playoffs. His presence alone shifts the dynamic of the Celtics’ offense and gives them another elite option in crunch time.
So whether Boston makes a splash at the deadline or chooses to ride with the group that’s gotten them this far, they’re in a strong position. But if they do pull the trigger on a deal, don’t be surprised if it’s a move aimed at fortifying the center spot-because in a league where matchups matter more than ever, having the right big man could be the difference between a deep run and hanging another banner in the rafters.