As the Boston Celtics begin the 2025-26 season without Jayson Tatum, sidelined for most, if not all, of the year following Achilles surgery, and after trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to shed massive payroll, Boston stands at a pivotal moment.
With Tatum’s absence leaving a major scoring void and guard oversight compromised, the front office pivoted by bringing back Anfernee Simons and adding Georges Niang to infuse bench scoring and create roster flexibility, while hoping Derrick White and Jaylen Brown can carry the torch.
Still, the mission is clear: if the Celtics want to remain competitive in a wide-open East, they need immediate impact, a true superstar at point guard, a veteran shooter who fits the system, and a savvy, low-cost big man to stabilize their frontcourt.
With the luxury-tax apron still breathing down their neck and Tatum’s return beyond this season, these three additions could be the prescription that keeps Boston in title contention, even in a challenge year.
Damian Lillard
Oct 23, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots a foul shot against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
Oct 23, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots a foul shot against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Free Agency
Damian Lillard hit Boston’s radar hard after suffering an Achilles injury and getting waived by Milwaukee. Last season in Milwaukee, he averaged 24.9 PPG, 7.1 APG, and 4.7 RPG across 58 games before the injury. Though sidelined for most or all of 2025–26, the Celtics can bring him in on a minimum deal, all while Milwaukee continues to pay his salary.
It’s a low-risk, high-reward move: Boston gets a bona fide superstar, locks in his rehab in house, and positions itself to add a top-tier playmaker next season when both Lillard and Tatum return. There have been reports that the Celtics are front-runners for the superstar point guard after all.
But let’s speak bluntly: that Achilles isn’t a small potatoes injury for a 34-year-old guard. Are we saying Boston should bank on peak Dame down the stretch? Not quite. But even if he returns at 80%, the combination of his leadership, gravity, and shot creation elevates everything. Our take: This is Boston's most potent long-shot, but also the most tantalizing upside of the bunch.
Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Brooklyn Nets at Footprint Center.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Brooklyn Nets at Footprint Center.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Free Agency After Buyout
If the Suns move forward with a buyout, Bradley Beal becomes a prime target for Boston. In 2024-25, he still produced 17.0 PPG, 3.7 APG, and 3.3 RPG while shooting 49.7% from the field and 38.6% from 3-point range, despite playing just 53 games due to injury.
That shooting burst, especially from deep, would inject much-needed spacing and bench punch into the lineup during Tatum’s absence, while his veteran savvy could support the next wave of decision-makers. Admittedly, this isn't the Beal of his peak growth; he's coming off his lowest PPG since his rookie year.
Yet at 32 years old, he remains a skilled shot creator who can seamlessly shift between starter and sixth-man roles. Boston could land him on a manageable one-year deal, hedging on impact without banking their future. He'd be a high-upside, low-risk steal for a C's team that needs clarity in identity.
Walker Kessler
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) shoots an open jump shot during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) shoots an open jump shot during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Walker Kessler
Utah Jazz Receive: Jordan Walsh, JD Davidson, 2032 first-round pick (BOS), 2032 second-round pick (BOS)
At 23, Walker Kessler already packs a wallop, a modern two-way center with 11.1 PPG, 12.2 RPG, and 2.4 BPG on 66.3% shooting. He’s mobile, rim-protecting, and plays with conviction, hard to replicate without mortgaging a future pick or position. Boston can lock him in now, shore up interior defense, and White or Simons around the lineups.
The cost: Jordan Walsh, J.D. Davidson, plus a 2032 first & second, sounds heavy, but this is about win-now. A polished defensive anchor and lob threat, he’d bring energy that Tatum can’t provide this year.
Yes, Utah’s dumping after a 17-win season, but Boston would be grabbing a prime-year, rotation-ready piece. This is low-hype but high-impact, exactly what Brad Stevens-types love in July. Considering how good Boston is at convincing opposing teams to make deals, this could be another masterclass.
Ben Simmons
Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Free Agency
Despite struggles in Brooklyn and limited action with the Clippers, Simmons still flashed potential this season as a positional unicorn, about 2.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.1 APG in 18 games with L.A. at 52% shooting.
At 28, he's a multi-positional defender and playmaker forced into damage control mode: he’ll be available only at the veteran minimum, but that’s good value for a contender. Of course, he’s polarizing.
Stretch him out, and he hesitates; put him between the 5 and 10, and he excels. Still, if a savvy coach like Joe Mazzulla and his staff can unlock Simmons’ strengths, rim-running, passing, and switch-defense, Boston gains a dynamic chess piece who won Rookie of the Year and made three All-Star teams.
The contract risk is minimal, but the upside, a gritty, switchable defender with elite court vision, could be real playoff gold. Simmons could also be a perfect backup for Tatum as a defensive forward.
Robert Williams
Nov 20, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Nov 20, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) drives to the basket against Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Robert Williams III
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, 2032 second-round pick (BOS)
Bringing Willias back would be a love story with upside. Robert averaged around 5.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG in limited Portland minutes, but his real value is energy, defense, and chemistry.
Remember the 'Time Lord' effect? When he teamed with Boston, the defense was nearly unguardable. He’s the type who boosts effort, sets tone, and fills the glass without hogging the box score. Yes, you’re paying Brook-tailed cash, shipping Hauser, Queta, and a late pick, but you’re plugging a plug-and-play piece into Boston’s core.
In a Tatum-less season, you need guys who do the dirty work. Robert is that guy. He doesn’t stretch the floor, but his hustle, mobility, and defensive instincts make him an often-overlooked game-changer.
Al Horford
Mar 31, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) reacts after a basket during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Mar 31, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) reacts after a basket during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Free Agency
Al Horford stands at a career crossroads. After averaging 9.0 PPG and 6.2 RPG last season, both near his lowest in years, he remains a respected on-court leader and locker-room catalyst.
Even at 39, he's still praised by teammates, being a multi-year finalist for the Teammate of the Year Award, making him a culture-first option Boston should strongly consider.
With Tatum sidelined and Horford’s Celtics future uncertain due to cap cuts and important retirement talks, Boston has the rare opportunity to re-sign a familiar veteran on a team-friendly deal. His ability to space the floor (36.3% from 3 last year) and mentor emerging players would balance locker-room chemistry and in-game versatility.
Grant Williams
Oct 15, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2) reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Oct 15, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2) reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Grant Williams
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Sam Hauser, Josh Minott, 2032 second-round pick (BOS)
Williams is like the Swiss Army knife the C’s never knew they could miss, 10.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, before an ACL landed him on IR. He starts, guards multiple positions, and can torch corners.
At 26, he’s still in his prime and on a reasonable deal, plus he’s a former Celtic draft pick, which softens the emotional blow of bringing him back. On the flip side, ACL rehab is unpredictable.
But if the Cs see this as a depth gamble with upside, bringing back their own with his grit and spacing is smart. And the compensation isn’t crippling, Hauser, Minott, and a second-rounder are decent assets to swap for a known quantity and locker-room vet.
Mitchell Robinson
May 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) returns up court against the Boston Celtics in the second quarter during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Mitchell Robinson
New York Knicks Receive: Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, 2032 second-round pick (BOS)
You want rim protection and lob capability? Robinson gives you 66.1% FG, 5.9 RPG, and plays like a whirlwind on the glass. In playoffs, he’s earned minutes, think 8 boards, 2 blocks in Eastern Semis. Bulk up the frontcourt, let them run the break, and worry less about switching screens.
He’s 27, raw, and doesn’t pull up threes, but against heavier teams, he’s exactly what the doctor ordered. Sam Hauser + Baylor Scheierman + a pick might cost a bench wing, but you’re swapping Bosch for bricks: offense for defense. And frankly, the Celtics need that vertical rim defender in a hurry.
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