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The Boston Celtics are reportedly looking to beef up their frontcourt ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline.
During an appearance Friday on the Pat McAfee Show (beginning at the 1:35 mark of the video), ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported on the Celtics’ potential deadline plans, saying, “They’ve been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially. They’re going to be aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets. They’ve got contracts to play with.”
The Celtics, who entered play Saturday in second place in the Eastern Conference with a 28-16 record, have been linked to a couple of high-profile centers recently.
Matt Moore of Hardwood Paroxysm reported earlier this month that the Celtics “would love” to acquire Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies. Moore added, “There is no team I’ve heard with more interest for Jackson.”
It was also reported this month by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com that the Celtics were among the teams to express interest in Los Angeles Clippers big man Ivica Zubac.
Jackson, 26, is a two-time All-Star and one-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Through 41 games this season he is averaging 18.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.7 three-pointers made and 1.5 blocks, while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Since he is signed through at least the 2028-29 season with a player option for 2029-30, Jackson would be something of a long-term commitment.
The Grizzlies are 12th in the Western Conference, 1.5 games out of a play-in spot, but given Jackson’s age and the term remaining on his deal, it is unclear if the Grizz would be willing to move him.
Zubac is in a similar spot, as the Clippers have him signed through the 2027-28 campaign.
The 28-year-old veteran is averaging a double-double for a second straight season with 14.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game to go along with 2.3 assists. He is also highly efficient from the field, shooting 60.3 percent.
However, the Clippers are red hot, winning 14 of their past 17 games, so it is difficult to envision them parting with one of their best players.
Entering the season, there was a great deal of uncertainty regarding how the Celtics would fare. Superstar forward Jayson Tatum is in line to miss most or all of the season with a torn Achilles. Boston also parted ways with key players such as Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Holiday and Al Horford during the offseason.
With Porziņģis and Horford gone, the Celtics have employed a committee approach in their frontcourt, and it has largely worked out well.
Neemias Queta leads the team in rebounding with 8.2 per game to go along with 10.2 points per game. The Celtics have also gotten solid production out of center Luka Garza (7.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game) and forward Sam Hauser (9.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game).
Getting a big who they can rely on in all situations would be significant for the Celtics, though, as that player could lend support to the guard trio of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
It is unclear who the Celtics may be able to land, but RealGM noted that they can offer an enticing package in a potential trade, highlighted by the expiring contract of guard Anfernee Simons, a $22.5 million traded exception and first-round picks.