Joe Mazzulla
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Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla during a game against the Atlanta Hawks in January 2026
As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, the Boston Celtics are increasingly viewed around the league as a team positioned to buy.
Boston entered the season with tempered expectations following Jayson Tatum’s long-term injury, but the reality has looked very different.
Jaylen Brown’s MVP-level play has powered the Celtics into contention, and Friday night’s double-overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets pushed them to 28-16, remaining second in the Eastern Conference.
With the front office exploring ways to strengthen an already competitive roster, a familiar name from that win has emerged in trade conversations.
Boston Celtics Eye Frontcourt Upgrade
According to NBA reporter Jake Weinbach, the Celtics have surfaced as a potential frontrunner for Nets center Nic Claxton, who is believed to be available as the deadline nears.
“The Celtics should be considered one of the top potential landing spots for Nic Claxton if the Nets continue to entertain offers,” Weinbach reported. “Boston can build a package around Anfernee Simons and a first-round pick for Claxton, who would be an ideal fit in Joe Mazzulla’s system.”
Claxton made his presence felt against Boston on Friday, posting 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 38 minutes. He shot 8-of-13 from the field, grabbed four offensive rebounds, and forced overtime with a putback dunk with 1.9 seconds remaining.
However, his strong performance came with a concern as he suffered a finger injury during the game and is set to undergo further imaging.
“It’s sore. I really don’t know. I’ve just got to get X-rays, MRIs. So I don’t know,” Claxton said postgame, via The New York Post. “It is sore though. It was just locking up, so I just put some tape on it. I’ll know more (Saturday) probably.”
Why Claxton Fits Boston’s Deadline Plans
Whether the finger injury cools interest remains to be seen, but Claxton continues to profile as one of the more appealing frontcourt options on the market.
Through 41 games this season, he’s averaging 12.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 29.8 minutes per night while shooting 58.4% from the field.
His ability to protect the rim, switch defensively, and finish efficiently around the basket would slot cleanly into Boston’s system.
Claxton is in the second year of a four-year, $97 million contract. He’s earning $25.3 million this season, with the deal running through 2027–28.
The structure may appeal to contenders, as it is front-loaded and declines in value, dropping to $20.9 million in the final year.
While Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have exceeded expectations in their current roles, adding a center of Claxton’s caliber could raise Boston’s ceiling further, particularly with Tatum expected back for a late-season push.
Anfernee Simons’ $27.6 million expiring contract stands out as Boston’s most significant trade chip. The Celtics have also previously been linked to Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, though his availability remains uncertain.
According to ClutchPoints’ Tom Azerly, the Clippers may have interest in Simons, potentially opening additional pathways for Boston to explore.
With multiple teams reportedly checking in on Claxton, including the Los Angeles Lakers, competition could intensify quickly. For a Celtics team firmly in the title picture, a move for a proven rim protector could be the kind of calculated upgrade that defines a postseason run.