With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching on February 5, the Boston Celtics find themselves in an interesting position - not just as title contenders, but as a team with some financial flexibility and a front office that’s shown a willingness to tinker when the moment’s right.
Brad Stevens, Boston’s president of basketball operations, has never been one to chase headlines with splashy, blockbuster trades. But he’s also not afraid to make subtle moves that shore up the roster in meaningful ways. And according to NBA insiders Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps, that trend is expected to continue this year.
Expect tweaks, not fireworks
So far, the rumor mill has churned out a few intriguing names. Early on, Boston was loosely connected to Clippers center Ivica Zubac and later to Memphis big man Jaren Jackson Jr. And while there’s been no concrete link between the Celtics and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, that hasn’t stopped fans from dreaming big - especially after Giannis appeared to crack the door open for a potential exit.
But let’s pump the brakes for a second.
Despite the buzz, league insiders aren’t forecasting a blockbuster move from Boston. The Celtics are more likely to make a move around the margins - the kind of deal that doesn’t make front-page headlines but helps solidify the rotation. That’s been Stevens’ M.O. since taking over the front office, and it’s worked well so far.
Last year, for example, Stevens brought in Jaden Springer and Xavier Tillman Sr. at the deadline. Neither move shook up the league, but both were calculated bets on young, athletic defenders who could contribute in spurts. Springer was later moved to ease luxury tax concerns - another reminder that Stevens isn’t sentimental when it comes to roster construction.
The Simons situation
If Boston does make a move, the most likely trade chip is guard Anfernee Simons. He’s on a $27 million expiring contract, which makes him a logical candidate in any deal that requires salary matching.
But here’s the twist: Simons has been playing some of his best basketball since joining the Celtics. Once viewed as a potential salary dump, he’s carved out a real role off the bench, showing improved effort on defense and embracing his spot in the rotation.
That makes Stevens’ job a little trickier. Moving Simons now isn’t a no-brainer - it’s a legitimate basketball decision with ripple effects on the team’s depth and chemistry.
Why the big names probably stay put
As for the dream scenarios - Giannis or Jackson Jr. in green - those are long shots, and for good reason.
Jackson Jr.’s contract is about to jump by $14 million next season as his $205 million extension kicks in. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a Celtics front office that just spent the offseason trimming salary to avoid the league’s dreaded second apron. Bringing in Jackson Jr. would immediately push them back over the line, triggering a whole new set of financial restrictions.
Giannis presents a different kind of challenge. His salary is massive - $54 million - but it doesn’t escalate further.
Still, acquiring him would likely cost the Celtics Jaylen Brown and a treasure chest of draft picks. That’s a steep price, especially considering Giannis has battled injuries more frequently in recent seasons.
Trading for him would be a bold, franchise-altering move - and not one Boston seems eager to make right now.
A move is likely - just not a massive one
So what should Celtics fans expect over the next week? Probably not a blockbuster.
But don’t be surprised if Stevens pulls the trigger on a smaller deal that adds depth or addresses a specific need - like frontcourt size or perimeter defense. He’s done it before, and he’s got the tools to do it again.
Boston’s playing great basketball, and the roster is already built to contend. Any move from here is about fine-tuning - not reinventing the wheel.
The Celtics don’t need a superstar splash to stay in the title hunt. They just need the right piece at the right price. And if history is any guide, Stevens is likely already working the phones to find it.