The Boston Celtics are sitting in a pretty good spot right now. The team’s depth has held up better than expected, especially in the frontcourt, where Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have delivered solid minutes.
Both have exceeded expectations, giving Boston a bit of breathing room when it comes to their need at center. But let’s be honest-if there’s a chance to land a young, versatile big man who fits the system and the timeline, you don’t pass that up.
That’s where Onyeka Okongwu comes in.
At 25, Okongwu checks just about every box the Celtics could ask for in a modern big. He’s averaging 16 points and 8 boards a night, with flashes of playmaking and a surprisingly reliable outside shot.
That offensive growth is important, but what really makes him a potential fit in Boston is what he brings on the defensive end. Okongwu is a switchable, rim-protecting big who can hold his own in multiple coverages-exactly the kind of player you want anchoring your defense in the playoffs.
And he’s not just a short-term rental. Okongwu is under contract through the 2027-28 season, with manageable numbers: $15 million this year, $16.12 million next, and $16.88 million in the final season. For a player of his age and upside, that’s a deal you can work with.
So, why would Atlanta even consider moving him?
Well, things have shifted in a big way for the Hawks. After trading away Trae Young and pivoting toward a rebuild centered around Jalen Johnson and a high draft pick this summer (they’ll get the better of either the Bucks’ or Pelicans’ first-rounder), Atlanta’s priorities are clearly changing. Okongwu might not be part of the long-term vision anymore-not because he can’t play, but because the Hawks may want to reset their books or redistribute assets.
And the timing of their latest move could be telling.
On Sunday, Atlanta swung a deal with Portland to bring in Duop Reath and a pair of second-round picks in exchange for wing Vit Krejci. Reath, who’s nearly 30 but still relatively new to the NBA, showed flashes last season with the Blazers-averaging close to 10 points per game in 68 appearances. He’s more of a stretch big, and while he fell out of the rotation in Portland after the team loaded up on frontcourt talent, he’s still got enough upside to be a rotation piece.
The key takeaway here? Atlanta just added another center.
And not in a vacuum-they did it by trading a wing, which could open the door for them to move one of their other bigs. That doesn’t guarantee anything, but it certainly makes the idea of Okongwu being available feel more plausible than it did a week ago.
Now, for Boston, the fit is clear. The challenge is the price.
To make a deal work, the Celtics would likely have to part with Anfernee Simons-something they’ve reportedly been hesitant to do. But if Okongwu is truly on the table, that reluctance might need to take a back seat. Adding a player like Okongwu, who could slide in as the starting center for years to come, is the kind of move that can stabilize a roster through multiple playoff runs.
Boston would probably need to include some draft capital and take back salary-Luke Kennard, for example, could be part of the financial puzzle. But the Celtics have the flexibility to make it work, especially if they’re eyeing ways to stay under the luxury tax after the dust settles.
There’s still a lot of moving parts here, and nothing is imminent. But the combination of Atlanta’s shifting priorities, the Reath acquisition, and Boston’s long-standing interest in Okongwu makes this more than just a pipe dream. It’s the kind of move that makes sense for both sides, and one that could pay off in a big way for the Celtics if they can pull it off.