Boston Celtics to Make Aggressive Move in Trade Market Ahead of February Deadline.
The Boston Celtics' front office, led by president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, is planning to be aggressive in the trade market ahead of the February 5th trade deadline. According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the team has been "in the marketplace" and will stop at nothing to acquire a top-tier starting center.
The Celtics' focus on acquiring a big-time center is no surprise, given their current roster's need for a dominant force in the paint. With star Jayson Tatum potentially returning from injury, the Celtics are poised to make a deep playoff run, but they still lack the luxury of having an elite center to pair with Tatum.
Charania claims that Jaren Jackson Jr., a two-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year winner, is among the top targets for the Celtics. Jackson's impressive scoring and defensive skills would be a major addition to the team, while his contract status makes him an attractive trade target. However, Memphis will likely want to maintain their franchise player, adding complexity to the negotiations.
Another center who has caught the Celtics' attention is Ivica Zubac, a 28-year-old big man with All-Defensive Second Team credentials. Zubac's impressive rebounding and scoring numbers make him an attractive piece to build around Tatum. However, the Clippers will likely want to maintain their talented young core.
The Celtics have several assets at their disposal that could be used to facilitate trades, including a trio of first-round picks and six second-round picks in the next seven drafts. Anfernee Simons' expiring contract would provide a necessary salary cap space to make deals happen. Payton Pritchard's scoring ability also makes him an attractive trade chip.
While the exact details of any potential trades are unclear, one thing is certain: the Celtics will be active in the market to acquire a top-tier center. With their deep young core and promising future, they're poised to make some significant moves ahead of the deadline.
The Boston Celtics' front office, led by president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, is planning to be aggressive in the trade market ahead of the February 5th trade deadline. According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the team has been "in the marketplace" and will stop at nothing to acquire a top-tier starting center.
The Celtics' focus on acquiring a big-time center is no surprise, given their current roster's need for a dominant force in the paint. With star Jayson Tatum potentially returning from injury, the Celtics are poised to make a deep playoff run, but they still lack the luxury of having an elite center to pair with Tatum.
Charania claims that Jaren Jackson Jr., a two-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year winner, is among the top targets for the Celtics. Jackson's impressive scoring and defensive skills would be a major addition to the team, while his contract status makes him an attractive trade target. However, Memphis will likely want to maintain their franchise player, adding complexity to the negotiations.
Another center who has caught the Celtics' attention is Ivica Zubac, a 28-year-old big man with All-Defensive Second Team credentials. Zubac's impressive rebounding and scoring numbers make him an attractive piece to build around Tatum. However, the Clippers will likely want to maintain their talented young core.
The Celtics have several assets at their disposal that could be used to facilitate trades, including a trio of first-round picks and six second-round picks in the next seven drafts. Anfernee Simons' expiring contract would provide a necessary salary cap space to make deals happen. Payton Pritchard's scoring ability also makes him an attractive trade chip.
While the exact details of any potential trades are unclear, one thing is certain: the Celtics will be active in the market to acquire a top-tier center. With their deep young core and promising future, they're poised to make some significant moves ahead of the deadline.
I'm not really sure what's going on with basketball trades... like can anyone explain how it works? 
Do teams just give each other players or something? 
And why do they need a top center so badly? Like, can't Jayson Tatum play center too? 
Oh wait, I remember, that's not how it works... 
and we had these crazy long conversations about our dreams 
anyway, speaking of dreams, do you think jaren jackson jr's contract is worth the risk? i mean, he's a two-time all-star but it's still six years left on his deal 
. The Memphis Grizzlies have been saying they want to build around Ja Morant, so maybe that would give them the push they need to trade JJJ 
. If they do get Zubac, he'd be a great addition to their young core and could really help Tatum dominate on offense 
with tatum possibly back from injury, they gotta have a legit center to pair him w/ but jaren jackson jr is def the top target rn!!! 
That's a tricky one. Ivica Zubac sounds like a great addition tho! He's got the skills and all that. The Clippers are probably gonna wanna hold onto him for now. 
... And Anfernee Simons' contract is about to expire, so they can use that as a trade chip. This is gonna be interesting... 
his contract is too steep and he's not that much better than their current centers. plus, memphis will never trade him lol. anfernee simons' expiring contract tho