The Boston Celtics are actively trying to make trades ahead of the February 5 deadline, but it takes two to tango, and they haven’t found a willing partner yet. The rejection of one particular trade offer points to a deadline that will require significant creativity to complete any meaningful deal.
Nov 16, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Luka Garza (52) defends Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
The Celtics’ top priority is upgrading the center position. Neemias Queta has been a pleasant surprise, but adding a starting-caliber center and pushing him to the bench would give Boston a strong frontcourt rotation.
One name that has surfaced repeatedly is LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac. He’s a two-way center who has averaged a double-double the past two seasons and made an All-Defensive Team last year. He makes $18 million this season and is under contract for two more years, making him a reasonable long-term fit.
However, the asking price appears to have been the roadblock. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Celtics inquired about a framework involving Anfernee Simons, a first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap for Zubac and salary filler earlier in the season, but the deal didn’t gain traction.
Scotto reported:
“Earlier this season, well before Boston surged into second place in the East, the Chicago Bulls inquired about an exploratory framework around Simons, a first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap for Ivica Zubac and salary filler, which didn’t gain any traction.”
The belief entering the year was that Boston would be willing to attach draft capital to Simons to shed his contract, but Stevens and the front office appear to have changed their stance. While they remain open to moving Simons, it must be for the right return.
Vucevic Would Be a Solid Fit – But Not at Any Cost Vucevic would provide a reliable interior defender who can also stretch the floor – a combination Boston has lacked. But the Celtics are not going to go out of their way to land him (or any other big man) just to offload Simons. They have a good thing going right now and won’t break it up unless the deal is overwhelmingly favorable.
The rejection of this Zubac framework is a bit of foreboding for the upcoming deadline. There are still other options out there, but the dream of an obvious starting-level center might be fading. If the Clippers balked at that deal earlier, their price has only gone up – and that’s if they’re even entertaining moves after their recent success.
The Celtics may have to turn their attention to Day’Ron Sharpe, Yves Missi types – not the sexiest moves for fans, but far from the worst outcome either. Missi is averaging a double-double over his first two seasons in New Orleans. He’s cheap ($3.3M this year), but his value exceeds his contract, so getting him would still require giving up something meaningful.
The bottom line: Simons-plus-picks is the go-to framework in Celtics trade talks, but it might not be good enough to get deals done. From there, Boston has two paths: pivot to a lesser-known center, or go big-game hunting as the third team in someone else’s blockbuster (e.g., for Antetokounmpo). Either way, Brad Stevens will likely have to get more creative than many expected.
Celtics Nation – do you think Boston should keep Simons and wait for a better center target? Or would you move him if the right deal emerges?