Brad Stevens, Celtics
Getty
Celtics frontcourt upgrade discussion led by president Brad Stevens.
The Celtics frontcourt upgrade search has intensified as Boston climbs the East standings and trade interest begins to surface ahead of the deadline.
The Boston Celtics have quietly climbed into the upper tier of the Eastern Conference, surging past the New York Knicks into the No. 2 seed with less than a month remaining before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
The rise has come sooner than expected.
After losing championship-tested veterans Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford in the offseason — and without Jayson Tatum for the bulk of the year — Boston entered the season viewed more as a transitional team than a contender. Instead, the Celtics have become one of the league’s most efficient and consistent groups, a development that has reshaped their deadline calculus.
And it has reopened their search for frontcourt reinforcements.
Celtics Among Teams That Inquired About Ivica Zubac
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Celtics were among the Eastern Conference teams that explored the availability of Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac earlier in the season.
“During earlier trade inquiries, it would have taken at least two first-round picks for the Clippers to consider parting with Zubac,” Scotto reported on Tuesday. “Among the notable teams to express interest were the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics.”
Zubac is enjoying the most productive stretch of his career, averaging 16.3 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting 62.2% from the field dating back to last season. His size, rim protection and efficiency would address Boston’s most glaring positional need.
But any realistic pursuit appears unlikely.
Why the Clippers Won’t Move Zubac
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 16: Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers looks for a shot against Luka Garza #52 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden on November 16, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Clippers 121-118. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
GettyIvica Zubac of the LA Clippers has drawn trade interest from Boston for the Celtics’ frontcourt upgrade.
The Clippers’ strong turnaround — seven wins in their last eight games after a 6–21 start — has effectively removed Zubac from the trade market.
That aligns with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who said in December that Zubac was “absolutely not available.”
“Zubac is absolutely not available and absolutely not a stretch big,” Windhorst wrote. “But yes, this is an area where Boston needs to replenish after losing Porzingis and Horford.”
That assessment remains intact.
Why the Celtics Frontcourt Upgrade Matters Now
Boston entered the season thin at center after losing Porzingis, Horford and Luke Kornet. While Neemias Queta has emerged as a reliable rotation player — averaging career highs of 10.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks — he is not widely viewed as a long-term starting center for a championship-level team.
That reality continues to drive Boston’s interest in frontcourt upgrades.
Amari Williams Emerges as a Long-Term Option
While external help remains the focus, the Celtics may already be developing their own answer.
Rookie center Amari Williams has become one of the most intriguing big men in the G League this season.
Selected 46th overall in the 2025 draft, Williams entered with little fanfare but has quickly distinguished himself with the Maine Celtics.
Through 16 games, he is averaging 14.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.8 blocks while shooting 60.7% from the field. Over his last four games, that production has surged to 20.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.7 blocks in under 30 minutes per game on nearly 70% shooting.
He opened 2026 with back-to-back dominant performances, posting 30 points and 14 rebounds against Noblesville, then 33 points and 16 rebounds the following night against Capital City.
Those numbers have begun to shift Williams from a long-term project to a legitimate developmental asset.
Deadline Strategy: Aggressive, But Calculated
Boston’s front office now faces a balancing act.
The Celtics are good enough to justify a deadline upgrade, but young and flexible enough that they can avoid desperation. Their interest in Zubac shows intent. Their patience in not overpaying reflects discipline.
The result is a contender still searching — not for a savior, but for the final pieces that turn consistency into inevitability.
The Celtics didn’t plan to be here this fast.
Now they are.
And the choices they make before Feb. 5 may determine how far this unexpected run can go.