The Boston Celtics came into the 2025-26 season with more questions than answers. Jayson Tatum, their franchise cornerstone, is out for the year with an ACL tear.
Al Horford and Luke Kornet are gone after departing in free agency. On paper, that’s a recipe for regression.
But this team has refused to fold.
Instead, the Celtics have stayed the course - and then some. They’ve kept pace near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, leaning on depth, defense, and a “next man up” mentality that’s become more than just a catchphrase in Boston. Now, with the trade deadline looming, it looks like the front office isn’t content with just surviving the storm - they’re ready to make a splash.
On a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that Boston is actively exploring the market for a high-impact addition - specifically, a starting-caliber center. “I could see Boston going the other way and maybe adding a player, maybe adding another big man,” Charania said.
“They’ve been in the marketplace, potentially trying to get a big-time starting center. So they’re going to be, I think, aggressive in moving the needle.
They’ve got assets. They’ve got contracts to use and play with.”
That’s a notable shift in tone. Rather than scaling back or simply treading water while Tatum recovers, the Celtics are reportedly looking to bolster their frontcourt with a significant move.
The reasoning is clear - with the East as competitive as ever, Boston sees an opportunity to stay in the hunt and maybe even make a deep playoff run. They’ve got the pieces to make a deal, and they’re not afraid to use them.
And if you need a reminder of why this team is still a serious threat, look no further than their recent double-overtime thriller against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
It was a game that had everything - momentum swings, clutch plays, and a playoff-like intensity that had both teams emptying the tank. The Nets came out strong, building a six-point lead by halftime. But Boston responded in the second half, clawing their way back to tie things up and force overtime.
One extra period wasn’t enough. Both teams dropped 14 points in the first OT, sending the game into double-overtime, where the Celtics finally pulled away for a gritty 130-126 win.
Jaylen Brown was at the center of it all. The All-Star wing turned in one of his most complete performances of the season, notching a triple-double with 27 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. Brown’s been vocal recently - especially about officiating - but on this night, he let his game do the talking.
He wasn’t alone. Payton Pritchard stepped up in a huge way, pouring in 32 points, including six made threes, while adding four rebounds and four assists. With Tatum sidelined, the Celtics have needed guys like Pritchard to step up - and he’s answered the call.
This win wasn’t just about the box score. It was a statement.
Boston isn’t backing down. They’re scrapping, they’re competing, and they’re finding ways to win tough games on the road.
And if the front office can land a big-time center before the deadline? That could be the piece that pushes this resilient roster from contender to legitimate title threat.
Next up, the Celtics head to the Windy City for a matchup with the Chicago Bulls. If their recent play is any indication, they’ll be bringing the same fight with them to the United Center.