The Boston Celtics were supposed to be "punting" on this year. Honestly, that was the vibe when Jayson Tatum went down with a torn Achilles back in May. You don’t lose a First Team All-NBA superstar and expect to be sitting at 25-15 and second in the East by mid-January. But here we are. Jaylen Brown has reached a new level, Anfernee Simons is looking like a Sixth Man of the Year lock, and Brad Stevens is suddenly facing a "good" problem.
Does he stay the course and wait for Tatum’s return—which is reportedly getting closer—or does he push the chips in?
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The nba trade rumors: celtics mill is churning because this team is too good to ignore. They aren’t just "scrappy." They are legitimate. But the frontcourt is thin. Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford are gone. The current rotation of Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and Xavier Tillman is overachieving, but can you trust that in a seven-game series against the Knicks?
The Jaren Jackson Jr. Dream and the Reality of the "Apron"
The biggest name floating around right now is Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies. It sounds like a fantasy, right? Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently reported that Boston has genuine interest, even if Memphis is telling everyone they want to build around JJJ.
Here is the thing about a blockbuster like that. It’s a math nightmare.
Boston is currently dancing around the first apron ($195.9 million). If they trade for Jackson Jr., they are committing to a core of Tatum, Brown, Derrick White, and JJJ that would cost nearly $194 million alone next season. To make the money work now, you’re almost certainly looking at a package involving Anfernee Simons and Sam Hauser, plus a boatload of picks.
Is Brad Stevens going to gut the depth that saved the season? Unlikely. Stevens has been vocal about not overpaying for "saffron" pieces—his weirdly specific way of saying he won't pay a premium for luxury upgrades that don't fit the budget.
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Why Ivica Zubac is the Name to Watch
If the Jaren Jackson Jr. deal is the "swing for the fences" move, Ivica Zubac is the "smart double."
The Clippers are in a weird spot. They started 6-21 and look like they might need a reboot, though recent reports from Jake Fischer suggest they might be cooling on the idea of selling. Still, Zubac fits the Celtics like a glove. He’s on a team-friendly deal ($18.1 million this year) and brings exactly what Boston lacks: reliable, nightly rim protection and elite rebounding.
- Zubac Stats: 14.8 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 60.6% FG.
- The Fit: He doesn't need the ball. He just cleans up messes.
The catch is the money. Since Boston is over the first apron, they cannot take back more money than they send out. They have a $22 million Trade Exception (TPE) from the offseason, but using it to absorb a player like Zubac would hard-cap them. It’s a high-wire act.
The Robert Williams III Reunion?
Basketball is a business, but it's also about vibes. The most emotional rumor involves a potential reunion with Robert Williams III.
We all know the story. "Time Lord" was the heart of the Celtics' defense before the injuries piled up. He’s currently with the Portland Trail Blazers, making about $13.3 million. Chris Mannix has mentioned that the Celtics have had internal discussions about him.
It’s a massive gamble. You’re betting on a body that has historically let him down. But at that price point, it’s a much easier pill to swallow than a JJJ blockbuster. You could theoretically move a package centered around salary filler and a protected first-round pick. If he’s healthy for 15 minutes a night in May, the Celtics become the scariest defense in the league again.
The Sam Hauser Dilemma
Let’s talk about Sam Hauser. He’s been a fan favorite for years, but this season has been rough. He’s had multiple nights where he’s shot under 30% from the field. With Hugo Gonzalez and Jordan Walsh showing they can play, Hauser’s four-year, $45 million contract is starting to look like a trade chip.
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Moving Hauser wouldn't be about his talent; it would be about the roster's evolution. If Stevens wants a more versatile wing or a backup big like Nick Richards from Charlotte or Daniel Gafford from Dallas, Hauser’s $10 million salary is the easiest way to match the money.
Actionable Insights for the Trade Deadline
The February 5 deadline is approaching fast. If you're tracking the Celtics' next moves, watch these specific indicators:
- The $7.8 Million Gap: The Celtics are roughly $7.8 million below the second apron. This is their "safety zone." Any move that pushes them over this line freezes their 2033 first-round pick and makes it nearly impossible to aggregate salaries in future trades.
- Tatum’s Practice Status: If Tatum starts participating in 5-on-5 drills by late January, expect Brad Stevens to be aggressive. If the recovery is slower, they may settle for a minor "tax-ducking" move.
- The Anfernee Simons Decision: Simons has been incredible (17.8 PPG recently), but his value will never be higher. If the Celtics want a star big man, Simons is the only "young veteran" asset they have with a high enough salary to facilitate a deal.
The most likely scenario? A "marginal" upgrade. Think Daniel Gafford or Nick Richards. These aren't names that will lead SportsCenter, but they are the types of moves that help a team survive the Eastern Conference gauntlet when the rotations shorten in the playoffs.
Brad Stevens has shown he’s a "value" hunter. He’s not going to chase a name just for the sake of it. He’s looking for the 2026 version of the Derrick White trade—a move that looks good now but looks like a heist two years later. Keep your eyes on the Clippers and Grizzlies, but don't be surprised if the actual move is someone nobody is talking about yet.