With just over a week until the NBA trade deadline, the Boston Celtics find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. Time is ticking, and the front office has a decision to make: stay the course with a roster that’s shown surprising resilience, or make a move that could push them over the top.
Let’s rewind a bit. Back in the offseason, Boston pulled the trigger on a notable deal, sending Jrue Holiday to Portland in exchange for dynamic guard Anfernee Simons.
It was a bold move, one that signaled a shift in direction. But even then, the Celtics weren’t done exploring.
They reportedly held exploratory talks with both the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, gauging the market and keeping options open.
Now, with the deadline looming, those conversations are reportedly back in play - and this time, the focus is on the frontcourt. According to reports, the Celtics have revisited the idea of moving Simons in a potential deal for Clippers center Ivica Zubac.
The framework? Simons, a first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap for Zubac and salary filler.
That initial proposal didn’t gain much traction, especially when the Clippers were floundering early in the season with a 6-21 record. But with the deadline approaching, Boston’s interest in bolstering its interior presence hasn’t gone away.
And it’s easy to see why.
Since parting ways with Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet, the Celtics have been in a bit of an experimental phase at the center position. Joe Mazzulla has leaned heavily on Neemias Queta, who’s started 43 of 44 games this season.
Alongside him, Luka Garza and rookie Amari Williams have each gotten their shot at meaningful minutes. While all three have had their moments, none bring the same level of consistency or physical presence that Zubac offers.
This is where the numbers help tell the story. Boston currently ranks 13th in total rebounds per game (44.8) and 16th in defensive rebounds (32.3).
That’s a noticeable dip from last season, when they finished top-10 in both categories. It hasn’t derailed their season - at 29-17, the Celtics are still sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference - but it’s an area where an upgrade could make a real difference, especially come playoff time.
Enter Zubac.
The 7-footer is quietly putting together one of his best seasons yet, averaging 10.9 rebounds and 14.6 points through 40 games. That rebounding mark ranks fourth in the league, trailing only Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, and Donovan Clingan. Zubac is on pace to average a double-double for the second time in his career, and his name keeps popping up in trade chatter for a reason - he’s a plug-and-play big with a proven track record and playoff experience.
For Boston, this isn’t about fixing something that’s broken. It’s about fine-tuning a machine that’s already running pretty well - especially considering the adversity they’ve faced.
Jayson Tatum’s absence due to a ruptured Achilles could’ve been a death blow. Instead, it’s become a rallying point.
Jaylen Brown has stepped up as the team’s lone All-Star, embracing the leadership role and keeping the Celtics competitive. Mazzulla has adjusted on the fly, leaning into the team’s identity and depth rather than relying solely on star power.
And it’s working.
This version of the Celtics isn’t just surviving without Tatum - they’re thriving. They’ve redefined expectations, and now the question isn’t whether they can hang around in the playoff picture. It’s whether they can make a legitimate run to the Finals.
That’s where Brad Stevens comes in.
The Celtics’ President of Basketball Operations has a narrow window to decide if this is the moment to go all-in. A move for Zubac wouldn’t just be about adding size - it would be a clear signal that Boston is pushing its chips to the center of the table. With a roster that’s already shown it can weather storms and a coaching staff that’s proven adaptable, the right addition could be the final piece of the puzzle.
The clock is ticking. And the Celtics, once counted out, are suddenly in a position of power - with a chance to turn a season of uncertainty into one of serious championship potential.