The Boston Celtics have defied expectations this 2025-26 season. After offseason moves dumping Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, plus Jayson Tatum’s long-term Achilles recovery, many pegged Boston for a rebuild year. Instead, they’re firmly in the Eastern Conference mix—tied for 2nd with the Knicks, boasting elite net ratings (+6-7 range), and playing winning basketball without their superstar.
With the Feb. 5, 2026 trade deadline looming, Brad Stevens is shifting to buyer mode, focusing on center help that impacts now and aligns with Tatum/Brown’s prime. Recent reports highlight Myles Turner (Milwaukee Bucks) as a compelling name floated by analysts like John Karalis (Boston Celtics on SI): “It’s not working out great in Milwaukee right now… moving on from him for a young scoring guard might make sense for a team looking to regroup after the Antetokounmpo situation settles down.”
Turner, 29, signed a four-year, $108.8M deal with Bucks this offseason to pair with Giannis and stabilize the frontcourt. But with Bucks struggling (modest impact from Turner) and Giannis trade rumors swirling, he’s become a realistic trade chip. This season (44 games): 13 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.7 BPG, 1.6 APG, shooting 43.6% FG and 39% from three—elite rim protection (former blocks leader) plus floor-spacing that fits Boston’s motion offense perfectly.
Why Turner intrigues Celtics:
- Defense: Anchors the paint, addresses rebounding woes (Celtics rank mid-pack defensively).
- Offense: Stretch-5 stretches floor for Tatum/Brown drives.
- Timeline: Age 29 fits core window (Tatum 27 post-injury, Brown 29).
- Contract: Three years left (~$25M AAV), manageable with Simons’ expiring deal as salary match.
Proposed mocks (Bleacher Report, Fadeaway World, etc.): Celtics send Anfernee Simons (expiring), Josh Minott, 2026 2nd-rounder, protected 2031 1st for Turner. Bucks get cap relief, scoring guard, future assets amid potential rebuild.
No confirmed talks, and Celtics unlikely to “huge swing” per ESPN (Tim Bontemps/Windhorst), but Stevens has history of aggressive, smart moves. If Bucks shop Turner amid Giannis drama, Boston has assets (Simons expiring, picks, exceptions from prior trades) to pounce without gutting future.
Celtics fans: Turner the upgrade Boston needs for title push and beyond? Or hold for cheaper options like Zubac/Claxton? Deadline heat rising—drop your takes below!