Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
Getty
Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics
With the Feb. 5 trade deadline fast approaching, the Boston Celtics are reportedly seeking to add a starting-level center to the rotation.
Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have both performed well this season. However, neither of them projects to be the starting center on a championship-winning team. And, for that reason, the Celtics could look to strike a deal with another team around the league.
One big man the Celtics have reportedly held interest in is Ivica Zubac. The 7-foot center would be an ideal addition to Joe Mazzulla’s roster. However, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Stevens has already had an offer for Zubac rejected by the LA Clippers.
“If there was a notable center upgrade that could be attained while using Simons’ expiring contract, it could appeal to the Celtics,” Scotto reported. “When the Clippers were struggling with a 6-21 record to begin the season, the Celtics inquired about an exploratory framework around Simons, a first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap for Ivica Zubac and salary filler, which didn’t gain any traction, league sources told HoopsHype.”
It’s unlikely the Celtics would offer any additional draft compensation in a deal for Zubac. He’s a highly talented player, but Anfernee Simons plus a draft pick and pick swap is arguably the ceiling of what Boston should be willing to give up.
Celtics Would Need To Add Multiple Draft Picks
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Boston Celtics would need to add multiple draft picks to a trade offer for Zubac.
“The Clippers, however, have rejected trade offers for Zubac, with a belief around the league that they’re seeking multiple first-round picks in any potential deal for him,” Siegel reported. “One team offered an unprotected first-round pick and a pick swap in an offer for Zubac, sources said, but those talks didn’t go anywhere.”
Zubac is an elite rim-protector, talented screener, and reliable interior scorer. His presence in the paint as a drop defender would elevate Boston’s overall defense. Nevertheless, Stevens will likely have an idea of how much he’s willing to give up in trade talks, and multiple draft picks could be a step too far.
The Celtics Have Other Options In The Trade Market
Zubac isn’t the only big man expected to be available on the trade market. The Celtics have been linked with Danile Gafford, Yves Missi and former big man Robert Williams in recent weeks.
As such, Stevens can remain patient when exploring the overall trade market. The closer we get to the trade deadline, the more things will heat up in terms of discussions.
Furthermore, given the production of Queta, Boston should be in no rush to seek out an upgrade. Sure, another center is a priority, but the need isn’t so pressing that it couldn’t wait until the summer for Stevens to continue exploring the market before pinpointing his preferred target and pushing ahead with a move.
The only downside of waiting until the offseason is that Simons’ expiring contract will no longer be part of a trade package. As such, a lot will depend on how the Celtics wish to move forward with the score-first guard. If Stevens wants to cash in on Simons’ stellar play in January, then a move ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline would make total sense.