The Boston Celtics are sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference, and a big part of that success has come from their depth and balance. But as the trade deadline looms, it’s clear the front office isn’t standing pat - especially when it comes to the center position.
Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have stepped in and held their own in the frontcourt. Both are traditional low-post bigs who bring size, rebounding, and physicality.
They’ve helped the Celtics stay competitive night in and night out, especially when the team has needed to weather injuries or manage minutes. But in a league where elite big men can swing playoff series, Boston’s brass appears to be eyeing more than just “serviceable.”
According to a recent report, the Celtics tested the waters with the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this season, exploring a trade framework that would have brought Ivica Zubac to Boston. The proposed deal? Anfernee Simons, a first-round pick, and a future pick swap - a package that reportedly didn’t move the needle for L.A.
It’s worth noting the timing. The Clippers were struggling mightily at the time, opening the season with a 6-21 record.
That kind of start can often lead to front offices rethinking long-term plans, and Boston clearly saw an opportunity. But even with the inclusion of draft capital, Simons didn’t entice the Clippers enough to part with their 7-foot anchor in the paint.
And it’s not hard to see why. While Simons has had flashes of scoring ability - averaging 13.9 points per game on 43.6% shooting from the field and 38.9% from deep - he hasn’t exactly lit up the league this season. Those are solid numbers, but not the kind that scream “centerpiece” in a trade for a high-efficiency, double-double threat like Zubac.
Zubac, for his part, has been a steady force for the Clippers. He’s the kind of big who doesn’t need the ball to impact the game.
He rebounds, protects the rim, finishes around the basket, and does the dirty work that doesn’t always show up in the box score. At just 28 years old, he’s in his prime and playing some of the best basketball of his career - and the Clippers are reaping the rewards.
Since that sluggish start, L.A. has flipped the script, winning 16 of their last 20 games and climbing back into the playoff picture. Zubac’s presence in the middle has been a big part of that resurgence. So from the Clippers’ perspective, turning down Boston’s offer wasn’t just understandable - it was smart.
For the Celtics, the message is clear: they’re still looking to upgrade, especially in the frontcourt. With the trade deadline just days away, don’t be surprised if Boston circles back with a different offer - or targets another big who can give them a stronger interior presence when the postseason grind begins.
Because while Queta and Garza have filled in admirably, the Celtics know that in May and June, “serviceable” might not be enough.