"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.""
"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."
Boston appears set to pursue additions ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline and is expected to be active in the marketplace. The Celtics have assets and contract flexibility to pursue a big-time starting center. Reported trade targets include Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. and Clippers center Ivica Zubac. Jackson is a two-time All-Star, 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 18.9 points and 36.3% from three this season. Zubac earned All-Defensive second team in 2024-25 and is averaging 14.8 points and 11.1 rebounds this season. Adding either center would address a clear roster need as Boston sits near the top of the Eastern Conference and prepares for a postseason push if Jayson Tatum returns.
Read at Boston.com
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