Things move fast in the NBA - especially when the trade deadline is in full swing - and Luka Garza is feeling that reality firsthand.
After bouncing around the league for a few seasons, Garza seemed to have finally found his footing in Boston. In his fifth NBA season and first with the Celtics, the former Iowa standout has been putting together the best stretch of his pro career.
He’s averaging career-highs across the board: 7.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, a scorching 58.6% from the field, and a lights-out 44.1% from deep. He’s been giving the Celtics quality minutes off the bench - 16.6 per game - and showing the kind of offensive polish that made him a college star.
But just as Garza was carving out a role, Boston made a big move - the kind of swing-for-the-fences deal that contenders make when they believe they’re close.
The Celtics pulled off one of the deadline’s biggest trades, acquiring veteran center Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls. Vucevic, 35, is still producing at a high level, averaging 16.9 points, 9.0 boards, and 3.9 assists per game this season. He brings playoff experience, offensive versatility, and a steadying presence in the middle - all things Boston’s front office clearly felt were necessary for a deep postseason run.
The move is a clear signal: the Celtics are going all-in.
But for Garza, it likely means a major shift in role - and not in the direction he was hoping.
Before the trade, Boston had been starting Neemias Queta at center. Queta had been holding his own, playing physical defense and giving the team solid minutes. With Vucevic stepping into the starting role, Queta now slides into the backup spot - the very role Garza had been occupying.
That leaves Garza on the outside looking in, at least for now. His minutes are expected to dip, and his appearances could become more situational - matchup-based or injury-driven.
It’s a tough break for a player who looked like he was finally putting it all together. Garza had earned his minutes with efficient scoring, smart positioning, and an improved outside shot.
He’d become a reliable piece of Boston’s second unit. But in a league where depth charts can shift overnight, opportunity often comes down to timing - and the Celtics just reshuffled the deck.
Still, Garza’s not out of the picture. Depth matters, especially in the grind of the NBA season and the intensity of the playoffs.
If Vucevic or Queta miss time, Garza is next in line. And with the way he’s played this season, there’s every reason to believe he’ll be ready when called upon.
He’s also making a strong case for another contract this summer. Teams around the league take notice when a big man shoots nearly 60% from the field and over 40% from three - especially one who’s still just 27 and improving.
So while the rotation may tighten in Boston, Luka Garza’s NBA story is far from finished. He’s shown he belongs, and that kind of proof - even in limited minutes - goes a long way in this league.