The Boston Celtics could become buyers at the trade deadline, with insiders suggesting the team is targeting frontcourt help. Anfernee Simons has emerged as a possible trade piece, and Ivica Zubac is viewed as a potential addition.
The Boston Celtics could be preparing to make a move ahead of the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 5. After preaching patience last month, team president Brad Stevens may now be open to adding help, with the Celtics sitting second in the Eastern Conference and Jayson Tatum nearing a return.
Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown
MIN: 34.13
PTS: 29.8 (56.3%)
REB: 6.65
AS: 4.75
ST: 1
BL: 0.38
TO: 3.75
GM: 40
Longtime NBA insider Zach Lowe believes the tone around Boston has shifted. "All the rumblings around the league is that Boston is now going to buy," Lowe said on The Zach Lowe show. "I don't know how that works. I don't know if they can buy and cut their tax bill at the same time. The obvious place for them to buy would be up front, where they could use another legit front-court player. But this team is clearly really good."
According to Lowe, the frontcourt is the clear area where Boston could look to upgrade. The Celtics have relied on depth options like Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, but adding a proven big could strengthen the rotation for a playoff run.
One possible path to a deal would involve Anfernee Simons, who is on an expiring contract and carries a $27.6 million cap hit.
Credit AP - Scanpix
Simons is averaging 13.9 points per game and shooting 40.0 percent from three this season, making him an attractive trade piece for teams looking for scoring and shooting.
Clippers reporter Tomer Azarly noted that the Los Angeles Clippers are among the teams with interest in Simons. That opens the door to a potential match, especially since Boston has already been linked to Clippers center Ivica Zubac in recent weeks.
Zubac would be a significant addition to the Celtics. The 7-foot center is averaging 14.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game while providing strong rim protection.
From a financial standpoint, a Simons-for-Zubac type of deal could help Boston reshape its roster while managing salary. Zubac is set to earn $18.1 million in 2025-26 and is under contract for an average of $20 million through the 2027-28 season.
Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.