"Boston not only "could be a team looking to make a move ahead of the trade deadline," but ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania also believes the Celtics will be "aggressive" in trying to get a deal done. "They've been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially," Charania said on the "Pat McAfee Show." "They're going to be aggressive in moving the needle. They've got assets. They've got contracts to play with.""
"Of course, who a "big-time center" might be is up for interpretation. However, the Celtics have been linked to a pair of notable centers in recent weeks. The Celtics "would love" to land Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr., long-time NBA insider Matt Moore reported earlier in January. The Celtics have also expressed interest in Clippers center Ivica Zubac, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported this month."
"Jackson's a two-time All-Star who won Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 and is averaging 18.9 points per game this season. Jackson also has a bit of range as a scorer, shooting 36.3 percent from beyond the arc this year. Zubac, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the NBA's top centers over the last couple of seasons. He was named All-Defensive second team in 2024-25, when he averaged 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game."
Boston appears positioned to pursue a notable addition before the Feb. 5 trade deadline and may act as a buyer. The team appears likely to be aggressive, with marketplace activity, assets, and contracts available to maneuver. The Celtics have been linked to centers Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ivica Zubac. Jackson is a two-time All-Star, 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, and is averaging 18.9 points while shooting 36.3 percent from three. Zubac was All-Defensive second team in 2024-25 and is averaging 14.8 points and 11.1 rebounds this season. Either addition would address a clear frontcourt need and bolster postseason prospects if Jayson Tatum returns.
Read at Boston.com
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