The Boston Celtics have actually been one of the bigger surprises in the NBA this season, as they are sitting at 15-10 in spite of Jayson Tatum being sidelined and the mass exodus of players that occurred over the summer.
But are the Celtics good enough to legitimately challenge for Eastern Conference supremacy?
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There has been plenty of chatter that Tatum could return at some point this season, and Boston may look to get aggressive between now and the trade deadline as a result.
One potential target for Boston is Los Angeles Clippers big man Ivica Zubac, who would fill a massive frontcourt need for the Celtics after the team said goodbye to both Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford during the offseason.
However, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints has reported that the Clippers’ asking price for Zubac may be sky high.
"There have been mixed signals around the league from teams that have contacted the Clippers about Zubac and if they are actually willing to discuss his name in trade talks, but the early indication is that Los Angeles would demand at least two first-round picks, sources said," Siegel wrote.
Siegel mentioned Boston as a potential landing spot for Zubac, but it seems very hard to imagine that the Celtics - who are notoriously stingy when it comes to parting with draft capital - would be willing to pay that cost.
One thing is for sure: Zubac would comprise a tremendous pickup for Boston.
The 28-year-old is averaging 16.6 points and 11.4 rebounds over 32.8 minutes per game while shooting 61.5 percent from the floor this season. Zubac is not a floor spacer by any stretch, but he is a terrific interior defender and would provide some much-needed muscle for the Celtics down low.
Boston has been rolling with Neemas Quieta as its starting center, but while he has been impressive, there is no doubt that Zubac would comprise a major upgrade.
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