Boston Celtics
Multiple reports have recently indicated that the Celtics could be buyers ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
The Celtics seem set to at least pursue making a notable addition ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Boston not only “could be a team looking to make a move ahead of the trade deadline,” but ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania also believes the Celtics will be “aggressive” in trying to get a deal done.
“They’ve been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially,” Charania said on the “Pat McAfee Show.” “They’re going to be aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets. They’ve got contracts to play with.”
Of course, who a “big-time center” might be is up for interpretation. However, the Celtics have been linked to a pair of notable centers in recent weeks. The Celtics “would love” to land Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr., long-time NBA insider Matt Moore reported earlier in January. The Celtics have also expressed interest in Clippers center Ivica Zubac, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported this month.
Adding either player would certainly be a big swing by the Celtics. Jackson’s a two-time All-Star who won Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 and is averaging 18.9 points per game this season. Jackson also has a bit of range as a scorer, shooting 36.3 percent from beyond the arc this year.
Zubac, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the NBA’s top centers over the last couple of seasons. He was named All-Defensive second team in 2024-25, when he averaged 16.8 points…