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BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 29: Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations for the Boston Celtics, smiles during a press conference at Boston Celtics media day at the Auerbach Center on September 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics have been perhaps the biggest surprise in the NBA this season. They currently sit second in the Eastern Conference standings despite Jayson Tatum not having played a single minute for the team this year.
Without Tatum, they have still played at a high level. They have the second-best offense in the league. For them to have the offense be at that level without Tatum is shocking. Yet, they are still not viewed as a true title contender. They still need another All-Star player on the roster.
Bleacher Report has a surprising trade proposal that would see the Celtics add a multi-time All-Star so they would have a real shot at making the NBA Finals. That player would be Bam Adebayo.
GettyMiami Heat center Bam Adebayo drives the ball. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Celtics Adds Bam Adebayo in Wild Trade Idea
Here is the full trade proposal:
Boston Celtics Receive: Bam Adebayo, Justin Champagnie
Miami Heat Receive: Anfernee Simons, Hugo González, Boston’s 2026 first-round pick, Boston’s 2030 first-round pick (swap), Boston’s 2031 first-round pick, 2031 second-round pick (less favorable from Boston or Cleveland; via Celtics)
Washington Wizards Receive: Sam Hauser*, Brooklyn’s 2026 second-round pick (top-55 protection; via Miami)**, Boston’s 2032 second-round pick
Trading three first-round picks is a hefty price to pay for anyone. Adebayo is in the midst of a down year compared to last year, so this would be a massive price to pay for Adebayo. This would be a bet that Adebayo would be able to pick up the slack if Tatum isn’t effective when he returns.
Adding the Wizards to the fold would allow the salaries to work. Miami would trade Adebayo only if it believes it needs to start a rebuild. These first-round picks would certainly help them in that scenario. Adding him would make the Celtics’ defense much better on the interior.
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum sits on the bench. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Celtics Believe They are Title Contenders Right Now
Boston believes it can compete for a championship with the roster they currently have. They fully expect Tatum to return later this season, which would give them a massive boost. Right now, they have the 15th-best defense in the league. Bringing Tatum back should help that a bit.
The Celtics have to figure out if they believe that Tatum will come back at 100 percent and be the same player he was before the injury. If he does, then they don’t need to make a move. If he doesn’t, then making a move might not be the worst decision.
Adding Adebayo or another star player would certainly give them some breathing room and increase their chances of winning a championship. Any move Boston makes would have to be with beating the Oklahoma City Thunder in mind, since they are the favorites.
Boston isn’t afraid to make big trades. Brad Stevens made big moves for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday to help them win a championship a couple of seasons ago. If he thinks a move will help them win a title, he won’t hesitate to make it.