The Boston Celtics are preparing to make a significant splash this offseason, and the Eastern Conference is already feeling the tremors. After falling short in their quest for back-to-back titles, the organization has identified a clear weakness in its frontcourt and appears ready to address it aggressively.
With Joe Mazzulla needing a proven, high-level presence to anchor the middle of the floor, the Celtics are expected to move Neemias Queta into a bench role and pursue a more established center. The team’s well-documented struggles containing elite bigs like Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond exposed a glaring need for elite rim protection and physicality at the five.
Fortunately, Boston holds a substantial traded player exception — created when they dealt Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls — which provides the financial flexibility to execute a major move without disrupting their core roster.
Nic Claxton Emerges as Prime Target
According to Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston, Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton has surfaced as a compelling trade candidate for the Celtics.
“The Celtics have been linked to Claxton in trade rumors before, and it’s easy to see why,” Leger wrote. “The 6-foot-11 center is an above-average defender who can switch and guard anyone on the court at a high level. He consistently averages double digits in points per game while racking up rebounds and blocks.”
Claxton, 27, offers exactly what Boston lacks: athleticism, versatility, and reliable rim protection. As a lob threat on the offensive end, he would also complement Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown beautifully in transition and half-court sets. Coming off a somewhat down season by his standards, a move to a championship contender could reignite his trajectory.
Claxton is entering the third year of his four-year, $97 million contract and is slated to earn $23.2 million next season. His salary fits comfortably within the Celtics’ available traded player exception, making a deal structurally viable with the rebuilding Nets.
Why Boston Must Act Decisively
NBA salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan recently emphasized on the Celtics Chronicle podcast why this summer is critical for Boston’s long-term contention window.
“They wouldn’t be able to actually go that deep into the tax next year if they wait to do these moves next year,” Gozlan explained. “So that’s the challenge… I think they’re probably going to be very motivated during this offseason and at the trade deadline to make some moves, to make their moves now to get them ready for the following season(s).”
The message is clear: the Celtics cannot afford to stand pat. Running back largely the same roster that was exposed in the playoffs would represent a missed opportunity to recalibrate and strengthen the championship blueprint.
Steer Clear of the Giannis Gamble
While some speculation has linked Boston to a bold pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, former NBA player and analyst Evan Turner strongly advises against it — particularly any deal involving Jaylen Brown.
“I don’t think that’s needed whatsoever,” Turner said. “For one, Jaylen Brown, I think for the next three or four years, I like Jaylen Brown’s availability and who he’s going to be over Giannis. Offensively, just down the stretch in the playoffs, I believe Jaylen might be able to score better.”
Turner added that incorporating Giannis would require the Celtics to overhaul their offensive identity in a way that might not suit their current roster construction.
A Defining Offseason
Whether the Celtics ultimately land Nic Claxton or pivot to another frontcourt solution, one thing is certain: significant change is coming. Other GMs around the league are on high alert as Boston prepares to leverage its assets, cap space, and championship pedigree to close the gap at the center position.
The Eastern Conference has been put on notice. The Celtics are not content to reload quietly — they intend to strike hard and fast.