The Boston Celtics have defied expectations this season, sitting at a strong 18-11 record despite the absence of superstar Jayson Tatum and offseason departures like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Jaylen Brown has emerged as a true alpha, Neemias Queta has held down the fort at center, and the team’s depth has kept them in the Eastern Conference mix. But as the playoffs approach, Boston’s lack of elite rim protection and interior scoring could become a glaring weakness against top teams.
Enter Myles Turner—the perfect trade target and a familiar face for Celtics fans. Turner spent his first 10 NBA seasons with the Indiana Pacers, facing Boston in the playoffs twice in the last two years (including eliminating the Celtics last postseason). Ironically, he left Indiana in free agency to join their rivals, the Milwaukee Bucks, where he was expected to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo. If Giannis demands a trade this offseason, Turner could become available—Milwaukee would have little reason to keep him during a potential rebuild.
Bleacher Report’s proposed trade makes perfect sense for both sides:
Celtics receive: Myles Turner Bucks receive: Anfernee Simons, Josh Minott, a 2031 first-round pick (top-3 protected), and a 2026 second-rounder (via DET, MIL, or ORL)
At 29 years old, Turner is still in his prime and brings elite two-way skills:
Led the NBA in blocks per game twiceOne of the best high-volume three-point shooting big men in the leagueProven playoff performer with back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances and a Finals run last season
He’s exactly what Boston needs: a rim protector who can space the floor, switch defensively, and complement Brown’s scoring. The fit is seamless—Turner would immediately upgrade the starting five and give the Celtics a reliable interior presence when Tatum returns.
The cost?
Anfernee Simons is talented but likely not in Boston’s long-term plans—his expiring contract is ideal salary matching.Josh Minott and a 2026 second-rounder are low-value assets.The 2031 first-round pick (top-3 protected) is the real price, but with Boston’s core aging, that pick could end up being a lottery selection in six years. It’s a calculated risk for a proven, playoff-tested center.
Turner is a medium-risk, high-reward addition. If he hits the trade market, the Celtics have the assets and the fit to make it happen. This move could vault Boston back into true Finals contention—reuniting Turner with his old playoff foes in a new role as their anchor.
Celtics Nation, if Turner becomes available, this is the trade to chase. The frontcourt upgrade they’ve been missing could be just one phone call away.