*This is a prediction*
The Brooklyn Nets have been a feisty group this season behind Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton, but at 5–16, they are likely to be sellers at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.
That is where the Boston Celtics come into play. Boston, without Jayson Tatum, sits third in the Eastern Conference under head coach Joe Mazzulla and the leadership of Jaylen Brown, but the roster is still missing a few key pieces to truly contend for a championship.
Finding the right fit for the Celtics is challenging because any addition must offer versatility, hard-nosed defense, and the ability to adapt within Boston’s system.
While the Celtics have thrived with three-point-shooting centers like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, and while aiming high for players such as Bam Adebayo or Domantas Sabonis would be ideal, a more realistic and attainable target is Nic Claxton.
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Boston Celtics Receive: C Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Anfernee Simons, F Sam Hauser
The 27-year-old Claxton has been a major bright spot for Brooklyn, largely because of how his offensive skill set has evolved.
Once primarily a nimble pick-and-roll big, he has developed into a player who excels in dribble handoffs, operates effectively in the short roll with improved passing instincts, and still provides the mobility to run the floor and even push the ball in transition.
Although Claxton’s lack of a three-point shot could limit Boston’s spacing, his passing and playmaking would ease the burden on ball handlers like Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, allowing them to settle back into more natural roles rather than serving as primary initiators.
As Boston evaluates potential trade-deadline upgrades, it is clear that center will be a priority. Two players who do not appear to be long-term focal points and could be used in a deal are Sam Hauser and Anfernee Simons.
The 2025-2026 season has not been super kind to the Celtics sharpshooter Sam Hauser, as he went from averaging 45% from the field and 41.5% from three in his first four seasons of his NBA Career, to his 34.5% from the field and 34.2% from three.
Hauser is also under contract for the next four seasons making an average of $11 million per season. On the flip side, Anfernee Simons is only on a one-year contract worth $26.7 million this season but he’s a free agent after this season. This would give the Nets more cap space as well as an excellent role player in Hauser.