This has been a much better season for the Boston Celtics than anyone predicted. Entering the campaign, expectations were far lower, with Jayson Tatum expected to miss most, if not all, of the season, and after the payroll slashing that saw them trade Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.
However, as we near the midway point of the season, the Celtics have far surpassed expectations and sit just 4.5 games out of the top spot in the conference due to their defense and some MVP-level play from Jaylen Brown. It’s opened the door to a Finals run if they can get Tatum back for the playoffs.
It is also why NBA insider Jake Fischer claims the organization is looking to improve its front court before the deadline, and could do so with a high-impact move that makes use of Anfernee Simons’ $28 million expiring contract.
If they do swing a big trade to bolster the frontcourt, let’s look at six players they could target.
Nikola Vucevic
The Chicago Bulls have been expected to trade Nikola Vucevic and his expiring contract for quite some time. If Boston is willing to add future draft assets in a deal, the 35-year-old would be a very nice addition that brings a big rebounding boost and even more three-point shooting to a team that is one of the best from the arc in the NBA.
Nic Claxton
Despite giving him a four-year, $100 million deal a couple of years ago, there have been rumblings that the Brooklyn Nets are open to the idea of moving big man Nic Claxton. BK would be open to a deal to get his contract off the books and look for his replacement in the draft. For the Celtics, the 26-year-old’s high-level rim protection rounds out what may be the best defense in the NBA while also adding a rebounding boost.
Ivica Zubac
The Los Angeles Clippers‘ improved play over the last month may force them to rethink their trade deadline plans. Yet, they are still far off from being a threat to the best teams in the West. So moving some contracts would still be in their best interest. That could benefit the Celtics in a swap of Anfernee Simons for Ivica Zubac.
The 28-year-old is one of the better big men in the league and sits fourth overall in rebounding. One of the Celtics’ biggest weaknesses is on the boards because they lack size. Zubac would do a lot to fix that issue for the second half.
Daniel Gafford
Another intriguing big man target for the Celtics would be Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford. The seven-year vet brings solid scoring and rebounding, along with high-level rim protection. If the Celtics don’t want to add Claxton’s contract to their payroll, Gafford would be a sensible and cheaper option who will be available before the deadline.
Jonathan Kuminga and Al Horford
A potential dream option for the Celtics would be a bold trade for Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga that also brings back team great Al Horford. If Boston is sure they will get a healthy Tatum back, risking a future first-rounder in a deal might be worth it, because money-wise a trade of Simons for Kuminga and Horford matches up.
Kuminga would only be a rental, but he brings an athletic scorer to their front court who could flourish under head coach Joe Muzzulla and the motivation of a strong finish to the season before he hits free agency. Horford would bring more depth and a player who knows the system and how to fill in the front-court cracks for the team in the second half.
