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All signs point to the Celtics being likely buyers on the trade market ahead of February’s trade deadline in a couple weeks. The C’s have been linked to multiple big men as that’s one area of the roster that could use some upgrades.
ESPN’s Shams Charania, speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, discussed what he thinks Boston will do on the trade market.
“They’ve been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially,” Charania said. “They’re going to be aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets. They’ve got contracts to play with.”
Now, it’ll likely depend on the price when it comes to grabbing a big man for the Celtics. They’ve been rumored to be interested in guys like the Clippers’ Ivica Zubac and the Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. when it comes to starters. However, the price point is another question for the Celtics.
The C’s currently have two traditional big men on their roster in Neemias Queta and Luka Garza. Regardless of whether they get a starter-caliber big or not, getting more depth should round out the rotation. The C’s have also been linked to several big men who aren’t starters but could provide Boston solid rotation minutes.
The Celtics have future first-round picks if they feel the right trade is there. They also have a big contract they could move in Anfernee Simons, who’s on an expiring $27.7 million salary. There’s also the looming Jayson Tatum return as he rehabs his Achilles injury behind the scenes. So, there are plenty of moving parts for the Celtics when it comes to the trade market.