Celtics going to be ‘aggressive’ on commerce market
Boston Celtics
A number of reviews have lately indicated that the Celtics might be patrons forward of the Feb. 5 commerce deadline.
The Celtics appear set to not less than pursue making a notable addition forward of the Feb. 5 commerce deadline.
Boston not solely “might be a crew seeking to make a transfer forward of the commerce deadline,” however ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania additionally believes the Celtics can be “aggressive” in attempting to get a deal completed.
“They’ve been within the market, attempting to go get a big-time beginning middle probably,” Charania stated on the “Pat McAfee Present.” “They’re going to be aggressive in transferring the needle. They’ve bought belongings. They’ve bought contracts to play with.”
In fact, who a “big-time middle” could be is up for interpretation. Nevertheless, the Celtics have been linked to a pair of notable facilities in latest weeks. The Celtics “would love” to land Grizzlies middle Jaren Jackson Jr., long-time NBA insider Matt Moore reported earlier in January. The Celtics have additionally expressed curiosity in Clippers middle 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 gained Defensive Participant of the 12 months in 2023 and is averaging 18.9 factors per sport this season. Jackson additionally has a little bit of vary as a scorer, taking pictures 36.3 % from past the arc this 12 months.
Zubac, in the meantime, has emerged as one of many NBA’s high facilities over the past couple of seasons. He was named All-Defensive second crew in 2024-25, when he averaged 16.8 factors and 12.6 rebounds per sport. The 28-year-old is averaging 14.8 factors and 11.1 rebounds per sport this season.
Definitely, both participant would assist fill an apparent want for a Celtics crew that’s second within the Jap Convention standings and presumably 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 on account of foul hassle to their main huge males.
However buying and selling for both Jackson or Zubac seemingly gained’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 not less than the top of the 2028-29 season. Zubac has been a key contributor for a Clippers crew that’s been top-of-the-line in basketball as of late, probably making it harder for them to wish 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 may use to make a deal. They’ve all however considered one 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 price $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 completed as he’s scoring 16.8 factors per sport 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 stated earlier this week that “all of the rumblings” he’s heard are that the Celtics are prone to take a purchaser’s strategy forward of the deadline.
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