During the offseason, the Boston Celtics lost a significant amount of frontcourt talent. Al Horford and Luke Kornet both left in free agency, while Kristaps Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks. Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have both performed well in expanded roles throughout the first half of the season.
However, with the Feb. 5 trade deadline under two weeks away, sections of the fanbase are starting to wonder whether Stevens could look to bring in an upgrade at the center position. During a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” ESPN’s Shams Charania shared that Boston is expected to be aggressive in the trade market and could be looking for “a big-time starting center.”
“I could see Boston going the other way and maybe add a player, maybe adding another big man. They’ve been in the marketplace, potentially trying to get a big-time starting center,” Charania said. “So they’re going to be, I think, aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets. They’ve got contracts to use and play with.”
The Celtics have been rumored to hold interest in a number of talented bigs, including Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers and Jarren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies. There are other high-level talents reportedly available for the right price, too.
Given how well Boston has played over the opening months of the season, it makes sense for Stevens to search out an upgrade. However, if a viable trade doesn’t present itself, then waiting until the summer could be the best move. After all, the team as currently constructed is sitting second in the Eastern Conference, and sooner or later, they will be getting Jayson Tatum back from injury.
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The future is bright in Boston, regardless of what happens by the trade deadline.
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics predicted to explore move for “big-time starting center”