Joe Mazzulla
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Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla during a game against the Atlanta Hawks in January 2026
With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, the Boston Celtics’ search for roster upgrades is beginning to sharpen.
Long expected to operate as buyers, Boston appears increasingly focused on adding a starting-calibre center, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“They’ve been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially,” Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show. “So, they’re gonna be, I think, aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets, they’ve got contracts to use and play with.”
Several names have been linked to the Celtics in recent weeks, but a clearer shortlist now appears to be taking shape.
Celtics Contract Could Shape Center Plans
Anfernee Simons’ $27.6 million expiring contract stands out as Boston’s most significant trade asset in the pursuit of an impactful frontcourt addition.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, if Brad Stevens ultimately decides to cash in on Simons’ deal, three centers sit atop the Celtics’ internal wishlist.
“As good as Simons has been for the Celtics, his expiring $27.6 million contract is essentially a major trade exception Brad Stevens can utilize to find an impactful frontcourt player,” Siegel reported.
“Should the C’s look to trade Simons, Ivica Zubac, Daniel Gafford, and Nic Claxton would be their top center targets.”
Zubac, in particular, aligns cleanly with the “big-time starting” center profile Boston is reportedly targeting, though whether the Los Angeles Clippers would be willing to engage in trade talks remains unclear.
The veteran big man is coming off a career-best 2024-25 campaign, averaging 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 62.8% from the field. His play earned him a spot on the All-Defensive Second Team.
This season, through 39 games, Zubac is averaging 14.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and just under a block per game on 60.5% shooting.
His 430 total rebounds rank fifth in the NBA, while his 140 offensive boards sit seventh league-wide.
Financial Fit And Alternative Paths
Zubac is in the middle of a three-year, $58.6 million veteran extension, earning $18.1 million this season with his salary rising to $20.9 million by the 2027-28 campaign.
Recent reporting from ClutchPoints’ Tom Azerly suggests there could be a workable framework for discussions, with the Clippers believed to be monitoring Simons’ situation.
“Other players that have been linked to the Clippers over the last several days are Collin Sexton, Anfernee Simons, and Coby White,” Azerly reported. “All three players are on expiring contracts and are currently on teams that likely prefer to move them for the right price.”
Siegel also noted that Boston may be able to upgrade at center without parting with Simons, pointing to a secondary tier of more attainable options.
“Then again, perhaps the Celtics can find their impactful center without trading Simons, especially with names like Day’Ron Sharpe, Yves Missi, and Andre Drummond on the block,” Siegel added.
While Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have exceeded expectations in limited roles, there is a growing sense that Boston would benefit from a more established presence in the middle.
With Jaylen Brown playing at an MVP-level and Jayson Tatum expected back later in the season, a meaningful frontcourt upgrade could be the move that defines a deep postseason run and solidifies the Celtics as legitimate championship contenders.