Celtics going to be ‘aggressive’ on trade market

The Celtics appear set to a minimum of pursue making a notable addition forward of the Feb. 5 commerce deadline.

Boston not solely “could possibly be a staff seeking to make a transfer forward of the commerce deadline,” however ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania additionally believes the Celtics shall be “aggressive” in attempting to get a deal achieved.

“They’ve been within the market, attempting to go get a big-time beginning heart doubtlessly,” Charania mentioned on the “Pat McAfee Show.” “They’re going to be aggressive in shifting the needle. They’ve bought belongings. They’ve bought contracts to play with.”

After all, who a “big-time heart” could be is up for interpretation. Nevertheless, the Celtics have been linked to a pair of notable facilities in current weeks. The Celtics “would love” to land Grizzlies heart Jaren Jackson Jr., long-time NBA insider Matt Moore reported earlier in January. The Celtics have additionally expressed curiosity in Clippers heart Ivica Zubac, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported this month.

Including both participant would definitely be a giant swing by the Celtics. Jackson’s a two-time All-Star who received Defensive Participant of the Yr in 2023 and is averaging 18.9 factors per recreation this season. Jackson additionally has a little bit of vary as a scorer, capturing 36.3 % from past the arc this yr.

Zubac, in the meantime, has emerged as one of many NBA’s prime facilities during the last couple of seasons. He was named All-Defensive second staff in 2024-25, when he averaged 16.8 factors and 12.6 rebounds per recreation. The 28-year-old is averaging 14.8 factors and 11.1 rebounds per recreation this season.

Actually, both participant would assist fill an apparent want for a Celtics staff that’s second within the Japanese Convention standings and probably positioned to make a run this postseason if star Jayson Tatum returns. In Friday’s win over the Nets, the Celtics needed to play second-round rookie Amari Williams for the whole lot of the second time beyond regulation resulting from foul bother to their main huge males.

However buying and selling for both Jackson or Zubac probably received’t come simply, in the event that they’re moved in any respect. Jackson has been a face of the franchise for Memphis and is beneath contract via a minimum of the tip of the 2028-29 season. Zubac has been a key contributor for a Clippers staff that’s been top-of-the-line in basketball as of late, doubtlessly making it harder for them to need to commerce him as they search to make a playoff push.

If each gamers can be found, although, the Celtics have a handful of potential belongings they might use to make a deal. They’ve all however one in every of their first-round picks between now and 2032. Additionally they personal six second-round picks within the subsequent seven drafts.

By way of gamers, guard Anfernee Simons would appear like a logical candidate to get moved for both participant. Simons is on an expiring deal value $27.7 million, giving the Celtics a wage essential to facilitate a commerce. Payton Pritchard may additionally be considered as an asset to get a deal achieved as he’s scoring 16.8 factors per recreation whereas making $7.2 million this season.

Charania’s report is simply the newest that’s indicated that the Celtics usually tend to purchase than promote forward of the commerce deadline. The Ringer’s Zach Lowe mentioned earlier this week that “all of the rumblings” he’s heard are that the Celtics are likely to take a buyer’s approach ahead of the deadline.