The Boston Celtics didn’t just dip their toes into the trade deadline waters - they dove in headfirst. With four trades completed, Boston made it clear they’re all-in on maximizing this season’s roster. But among the flurry of moves, one deal stood out: the Celtics sent guard Anfernee Simons and a 2026 second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for veteran center Nikola Vucevic and a 2027 second-round pick.
This was more than just a roster tweak - it was a calculated move to address a lingering question for Boston: frontcourt depth. Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have played above expectations this season, but neither brings the experience or offensive versatility that Vucevic offers. With his ability to rebound, stretch the floor, and operate as a high-IQ big, Vucevic gives Boston a proven option behind or alongside Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, especially when the playoffs demand a different gear.
But here’s the catch: Vucevic is on an expiring deal. There’s no guarantee he’ll be back in green next season. That opens the door for the Celtics to explore other frontcourt options this offseason - and one name that could make a lot of sense is Moritz Wagner of the Orlando Magic.
Wagner may not be a household name, but he’s quietly become one of the most efficient reserve bigs in the league. Since returning from a torn ACL, Wagner has hit the ground running, shooting a blistering 44.8% from three and averaging 8.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game on 47.8% shooting overall. That kind of floor-spacing from a big man is gold in today’s NBA - especially for a Celtics team that values ball movement, spacing, and versatility in its second unit.
And Wagner’s not just a shooter. Over the past few seasons, he’s consistently graded in the top 20% of the league in Offensive Estimated Plus/Minus - a strong indicator of his overall impact on that end of the floor.
He’s developed into a smart, reliable contributor who knows how to play within a system. With his previous stint in Boston during the 2020-21 season, there’s even a little familiarity already baked in.
Financially, Wagner could be a smart play as well. After earning $11 million in his final season with Orlando, he might be available for less than the full mid-level exception - a price point that fits nicely into Boston’s projected cap situation.
Thanks to their trade deadline maneuvering, the Celtics are now poised to finish the season roughly $15 million over the cap, but out of the luxury tax. That flexibility could allow them to make a move for someone like Wagner without having to sacrifice elsewhere.
Looking ahead, only Queta and Garza are under contract among Boston’s bigs for next season. Even if Vucevic re-signs, adding another stretch big like Wagner would give the Celtics a more complete frontcourt rotation - one that can withstand the grind of an 82-game season and the physicality of a deep playoff run.
Bottom line: the Celtics addressed a key need with the Vucevic trade, but the work isn’t done. Whether Vooch stays or goes, Boston will need to keep building out its frontcourt depth. And in Moe Wagner, they might just find the right mix of shooting, savvy, and affordability to keep this championship window wide open.