The Boston Celtics made a notable move at the February 5 trade deadline by acquiring veteran big man Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls. The addition was intended to bolster the frontcourt and provide depth behind Jayson Tatum and the returning stars. However, Vucevic’s tenure in Boston has been hampered by injury — he has missed the past 10 games — making it difficult for the front office to fully evaluate whether he fits long-term.
With Vucevic entering unrestricted free agency this summer, the Celtics have important decisions to make about their frontcourt rotation. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently explored potential targets, highlighting Brook Lopez as a “dream” free-agent addition if the team decides to move on from Vucevic.
“If the Los Angeles Clippers complete the transition away from their veteran core, Lopez could wind up as an affordable option,” Buckley wrote. “His three-point touch would keep the offense properly spaced, and he’d add even more bulk and paint protection to what’s already a dominant defense.”
At 37 years old, Lopez remains a reliable perimeter threat and a high-level drop defender. This season with the Clippers, he has averaged 8.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 42.5% from the field and 36.3% from three across 67 games. His spacing and rim protection would complement the Celtics’ switch-heavy, versatile defense nicely.
Vucevic Still in the Mix
Despite the injury setback, Vucevic showed positive signs in his brief time with Boston. In 12 games, he averaged 10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 49.3% from two-point range and 35.1% from deep. His work as a drop defender was better than many expected, helping cut off driving lanes and protect the rim.
With Jayson Tatum back in the lineup, a frontcourt featuring Vucevic and Tatum would also be elite on the defensive glass. If Vucevic is willing to accept a team-friendly deal, there is still a realistic path for him to remain in Boston. However, the injury cloud makes it harder for the front office to commit long-term without seeing more consistent production.
John Collins as a Realistic Alternative
If the Celtics choose to keep Vucevic or feel comfortable elevating Luka Garza in the rotation, they may look to upgrade another area of the roster. Buckley also identified Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (currently with the Clippers) as a “realistic” free-agency target.
“The Celtics have gotten good mileage up front by pairing Neemias Queta with a rangier, more offensive-minded big,” Buckley wrote. “Collins could thrive in that role while costing a lot less than his numbers might make you think. If his defensive shortcomings keep his pay rate in check, he could really jolt this frontcourt as a bouncy, in-prime play-finisher.”
Collins has had a solid season, averaging 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1 assist while shooting an impressive 62.5% from two-point range and 40.6% from three across 61 games. He brings perimeter shooting, explosive finishing around the rim, and rebounding energy. In Boston, he would likely accept a bench role behind the starters, adding athleticism and spacing to the second unit.
Brad Stevens’ Strong Position Heading Into Free Agency
Under president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, the Celtics have built one of the most flexible and well-constructed rosters in the NBA. They enter free agency with multiple paths forward: re-signing Vucevic on a value deal, pursuing a high-upside veteran like Lopez, or adding a versatile forward like Collins to deepen the frontcourt.
The goal remains the same — build the best possible roster to support Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in another title push after last year’s second-round exit to the Knicks.
Final Thoughts
The Celtics’ frontcourt decision this summer will be telling. Vucevic offers familiarity and proven production when healthy, but the injury concerns are real. Lopez would be a high-floor, low-cost spacing and defensive upgrade, while Collins could inject youth and athleticism into the rotation at a reasonable price.
Whichever direction Brad Stevens and the front office choose, the Celtics are well-positioned to remain among the East’s elite. Adding one or two smart pieces could make them even more dangerous come playoff time.
Celtics fans, which frontcourt option would you prefer this offseason — re-signing Nikola Vucevic, chasing Brook Lopez, or targeting John Collins? Or do you think the team should look elsewhere entirely?
Free agency is approaching, and Boston’s next moves could shape their championship window for the next several years.