Could the Boston Celtics make a surprise trade for future Hall of Famer Anthony Davis? One notable NBA insider believes the idea cannot be ruled out before February’s trade deadline.
Expectations for the Celtics in 2025-26 were miles below what they have been the last few seasons. But it was understandable why. Superstar Jayson Tatum’s ruptured Achilles will keep him sidelined for much of the year. And during the summer, they traded veterans Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, and let franchise great Al Horford walk in free agency.
Early on, things weren’t looking good when they lost seven of their first 12 games. However, coach Joe Mazzulla has shown why he is one of the best in the biz, and Boston has emerged as a top team in the East. Their 15-11 record is fourth best in the conference, and they are giving up the second fewest points in the NBA (110 PPG).
All of a sudden, they could be a dark horse in the East if Tatum does return late in the year, and they make an impact trade before the deadline. One area they need to improve is the front court because the absence of Porzingis and Horford is notable.
Well, The Athletic NBA insider Sam Vecenie believes the Celtics could pursue a trade for 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis. A player he feels is the best available, not named Giannis Antetokounmpo, and one that “executives believe could swing the title race” in the East this season.
Anthony Davis contract: Three years, $175.3 million
“A potential Davis trade is the one that executives believe could swing the title race the most if he were dealt to the right situation,” ecenie wrote. “If he were to end up in the right place in the Eastern Conference, there is a real belief that he could turn that team into a serious favorite.
“Imagine if he ended up in Boston, Detroit, or Atlanta, all of which have the assets and pieces to swing a deal and make something like this work? Any of those teams would immediately vault to the top or near the top of the odds to win that side of the playoff bracket.”
Davis has two years (2027-28 is a player option) and $120 million left on his contract. There have also been reports that he will request an extension from the team he is traded to. It is unclear whether the Celtics would want to add that sort of contract after slashing payroll just a few months ago. Especially as Davis’ injury woes have persisted over the last two seasons.
Nevertheless, he would be a very nice fit in Mazzulla’s system and could help the Celtics have the top defense in the NBA and another high-level scorer to carry the load with Jaylen Brown.
