ESPN’s Shams Charania recently reported that the Celtics are pursuing trade options to acquire a new starting center.
After a slow start to the season, Boston has kicked it into high gear, claiming second place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 29-17. This has been done without All-NBA player Jayson Tatum and the departures of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis among others who were vital to the 2024 NBA Championship team.
Despite the departures, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has reconstructed the roster in the way that only he can. Stevens drafted Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez, two non-lottery picks who have become mainstays in the Celtics rotation this season.
At the center position, Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have filled in effectively after Porzingis, Luke Kornet and Al Horford manned the position for the previous two seasons. Adding another big to the rotation would be crucial for Stevens and the Celtics if they want to make another deep postseason run.
Here are three centers that could be on their way to Boston before the trade deadline of Feb. 5.
Ivica Zubac
The Clippers big man has been linked to the Celtics in trade talks all season. The 7-footer is averaging a double-double for the second consecutive season, along with his seventh straight season shooting over 60% from the field. The Celtics have struggled with rebounding this season, the addition of Zubac and his 11 rebounds per game would be crucial down the stretch. It was revealed that the Clippers are looking for multiple firsts in exchange for Zubac. The Celtics have five first-round picks in the next six years along with many second-round picks that could be packaged as well. If the Clippers wanted a player in return, Boston could offer one of their young wings to sweeten the deal. Walsh, Gonalez and Baylor Scheierman have all been great rotation players, however there would be no need to keep all three in the long run, especially with a Tatum return looming. Los Angeles has revived its season after a very slow start, sitting at 22-24. If they were to move Zubac and focus on the future, Boston has one of the best offers available.
Daniel Gafford
An injury filled season has the Dallas Mavericks at 19-27 and looking to unload some assets. The Mavericks have already discussed trading Anthony Davis, and it looks like almost anyone not named Cooper Flagg could be up on the trade market. Daniel Gafford would be the best option for the Celtics to pick up. He has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury all season and has only appeared in 30 games. This may be beneficial for Stevens and the Celtics as it could lower his trade value heading into the deadline. When healthy, Gafford creates an instant impact for Dallas. After being acquired at the 2024 trade deadline from the Wizards, Gafford averaged nine points and 1.5 blocks per game in the postseason to help bring Dallas to the finals for the first time in over a decade. He was excellent in the Western Conference portion of the playoffs but struggled in limited finals minutes against Boston. The coaching staff clearly know what his strengths and weaknesses are, and if they had the chance to fully utilize his strengths, it would have a sustainable impact on a Celtics playoff run.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
This trade is more farfetched than the other two, but there is no reason to believe a deal could not get done between both sides. The Memphis Grizzlies seem to be heading towards another rebuild with trade talks surrounding Ja Morant and JJJ. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year is having another phenomenal season, averaging 1.5 blocks a game to go along with almost 19 points per game. Jackson is not a center by nature, but the 6’10 Michigan State product would fit perfectly in coach Joe Mazzulla’s schemes. Jackson is a career 35% three-point shooter which would be an increase from Queta and Garza. The mere threat of Jackson from beyond the arc would cause defensive schemes against Boston to change and create more opportunities for the likes of Jaylen Brown. Obviously, a player like Jackson would require a serious haul in return for his services. Thankfully for Celtics fans, there are picks and players who can be shipped off to attain JJJ. A player like Payton Pritchard or Anfernee Simons would have to be involved in the deal along with a young player like Walsh or Gonzalez. Stevens has not been afraid to let go of any players before, so anyone could be on the trade block on the road to banner 19.