As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, the Boston Celtics appear well positioned to operate as buyers, but the front office is not expected to make any blockbuster moves that dramatically shake up the roster, according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst.
“Sources think Boston would target frontcourt size, huge swings for stars such as (Giannis) Antetokounmpo or Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. seem unlikely,” the two reporters wrote.
Why Big Swings Are Unlikely
Jaren Jackson Jr.: Linked heavily to Boston earlier this month (Matt Moore reported the Celtics “would love” to trade for JJJ), but his five-year, $240 million extension signed with Memphis last July makes any deal extremely difficult. Boston already has two supermax contracts (Tatum & Brown); adding Jackson Jr. would create severe long-term cap strain.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Always a dream scenario, but acquiring Giannis would almost certainly require sending Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum – something Boston has shown no willingness to do since winning the title in 2024.
Realistic Approach: Improvements “At the Margins” Bontemps and Windhorst report that Brad Stevens will look to improve the roster “at the margins” – smaller, targeted moves rather than splashy overhauls. Anfernee Simons ($27.6 million expiring) remains the most obvious trade chip for salary matching. Boston previously tried packaging Simons + a first-round pick + a future first-round pick swap for Ivica Zubac from the Clippers, but the deal went nowhere.
The Celtics are unwilling to attach a first-round pick just to shed Simons’ salary and duck the luxury tax (currently $12.1 million over), especially given his strong sixth-man production this season.
Current Celtics Context Boston has strong current form, solid chemistry, and no urgent need for a massive overhaul to remain a top Eastern Conference contender. The frontcourt remains an area of need (Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and Amari Williams have not fully stabilized the position), but the team will only act if the deal provides clear value without sacrificing too much future flexibility.
Bottom Line The Celtics are disciplined and not desperate. They will not “dump” Simons or give up significant draft capital simply to improve the balance sheet. While they remain in the market for a legitimate starting center, they will only pull the trigger on a deal that truly makes sense.
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?