The Boston Celtics are sitting in a fascinating spot as the NBA trade deadline looms on February 5. They’ve managed to stay near the top of the Eastern Conference standings despite battling serious adversity - most notably the absence of Jayson Tatum due to an Achilles tear.
That’s no small feat, and it speaks volumes about the depth and resilience of this roster. But now comes the big question for president of basketball operations Brad Stevens: Does he push all his chips to the center of the table, make a few smart tweaks, or simply ride with the group that’s already overachieving?
Let’s break down the paths in front of the Celtics as the deadline approaches - because each one comes with its own set of risks, rewards, and ripple effects.
The Center of Attention: A Glaring Need in the Middle
With Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis all gone after the offseason shuffle, Boston’s frontcourt has been held together by Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. To their credit, they’ve held the line well enough to keep the Celtics in the mix for the East’s top seed. But if Boston is serious about contending - and especially if Tatum is expected to return before the postseason - they’ll need more reliable size and rim protection.
There are a few ways to go about solving that problem, and not all of them require blockbuster moves.
Smart, Subtle, and Strategic: The Case for Modest Upgrades
Not every trade deadline move has to be a headline-grabber. Sometimes, the best deals are the ones that quietly shore up a weak spot without shaking the locker room. That’s where names like Day’Ron Sharpe (Brooklyn Nets) and Isaiah Jackson (Indiana Pacers) come into play.
Both 24 years old, both on manageable contracts, and both producing solid if unspectacular numbers - Sharpe is putting up 7.8 points and 6.2 boards per game on 60.3% shooting, while Jackson is right in that same ballpark. These aren’t game-changers, but they’re certainly upgrades over what Boston’s currently working with behind the scenes.
Sharpe, in particular, could be had for a low cost. Brooklyn seems open to flipping him for draft capital, and Boston has three second-round picks in the 2026 draft to work with. Combine that with Chris Boucher’s expiring contract, and you’ve got the framework for a low-risk deal that could pay off in the playoffs.
And don’t forget the buyout market. Last year, Stevens brought in Torrey Craig that way - a veteran who fit the culture and added value without costing assets.
Boston can’t sign anyone who made more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($14.1 million) on their last deal, but there will be options. Veterans love the idea of joining a winning team with a clear path to the Finals.
The Big Swing: Going All-In for a Frontcourt Star
Now, if Stevens wants to make a splash - and he has the assets to do it - there are some high-profile big men who could dramatically shift the Celtics’ ceiling.
Boston still owns its first-round picks in 2026, 2027, 2030, 2031, and 2032. That’s a treasure chest of future capital, and it gives Stevens the flexibility to chase a bigger name if the right deal presents itself.
Players like Ivica Zubac (Clippers), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies), Nic Claxton (Nets), and Daniel Gafford (Mavericks) are all intriguing targets. Each brings a different skill set - Zubac’s steady interior presence, Jackson’s elite shot-blocking and floor spacing, Claxton’s switchability, Gafford’s energy and rim-running - but all would represent a significant upgrade.
Of course, the cost would be steep. It would likely take at least one first-rounder, and potentially more depending on the player and their contract situation. Anfernee Simons’ expiring deal could be part of a package, and names like Sam Hauser or Baylor Scheierman might be included to balance things out.
Simons, by the way, has quietly become a key piece off the bench. After a rocky start following his trade from Portland, he’s settled in nicely - averaging 13.9 points on 43.6% shooting, including nearly 39% from three on high volume.
His defense is still a work in progress, but his offensive versatility makes him a valuable weapon in the postseason. Trading him would be a bold move, and not one the Celtics would take lightly.
Stay the Course: The Case for Standing Pat
Then there’s the third option: do nothing.
It’s not the most exciting route, but it’s not without merit. Outside of Boucher and Tillman, every player on the roster is contributing - and all but those two are under contract beyond this season. Continuity matters, especially for a team that’s already found a way to win without its best player.
Simons’ future looms large in this scenario. If the Celtics believe they can re-sign him on a reasonable deal, keeping him through the deadline makes sense. And while Stevens hasn’t been known for splashy deadline moves - his last three involved Jaden Springer, Mike Muscala, and Tillman - he’s shown a knack for making the right move at the right time.
The Eastern Conference is wide open. With Tatum potentially returning and the rest of the roster clicking, Boston may decide that the best move is no move at all.
Final Thoughts
Brad Stevens has options - and that’s a good problem to have. Whether it’s a quiet, calculated addition, a headline-grabbing trade, or simply trusting the group that’s already exceeded expectations, the Celtics are in a position of strength heading into the deadline.
Whatever Stevens decides, one thing’s clear: Boston isn’t just thinking about making the playoffs. They’re thinking about winning the whole thing. And with the right move, they just might.