The Boston Celtics have been a surprise team in the NBA this season as they currently sit second in the Eastern Conference standings with a 26-16 record.
Of course, many around the league expected Boston to fall off this season with star forward Jayson Tatum sidelined due to a torn Achilles, along with them trading both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in the offseason and allowing Luke Kornet and Al Horford to walk in free agency.
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Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, guard Jaylen Brown (7) and guard Derrick White (9).David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
(David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
Despite this, the Celtics have been one of the top teams in the East this season behind their core led by Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, which has Boston as a legitimate contender once again this season despite being without their superstar forward.
Because of their success this season, the Celtics may elect to make some upgrades to their roster ahead of the trade deadline to not only help them compete for a title this season but also improve their roster for the future whenever Tatum returns.
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Celtics Could Target Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic to Upgrade Frontcourt
The main area of concern for Boston this season has been at the center position despite the strong play of Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, though they may elect to upgrade the position ahead of the trade deadline.
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88)Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
(Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images)
If this ends up being the case, Boston could target multiple different players around the NBA such as Nic Claxton or Daniel Gafford, who are both in trade rumors, to upgrade their frontcourt.
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Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9).Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
(Nick Wosika-Imagn Images)
Another big man the Celtics could target is Chicago Bulls veteran Nikola Vucevic, who could be on the move this season with him on an expiring contract.
Mock Trade Sends Anfernee Simons to Bulls, Nikola Vucevic to Celtics
In a potential trade, the Celtics could send Anfernee Simons to the Bulls in exchange for Vucevic and Dalen Terry.
Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons (4)Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
(Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images)
Of course, Simons has been in trade rumors since Boston acquired him from the Portland Trail Blazers in the Holiday trade during the offseason and swapping him for both Vucevic and Terry could work out well for them.
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For Vucevic, he would provide the Celtics with a major boost at the center position due to his offensive and rebounding skills.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9)
The veteran big man is a great scorer who would give Boston another offensive option alongside Brown, White and Pritchard and he would also help space the floor due to his 3-point shooting.
This season, the 35-year-old center is averaging 17.0 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 50.8% from the field and 37.1% from three.
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Terry would also be a solid addition for Boston as the 23-year-old guard could become a key role player for them off the bench.
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9).© Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(© Matt Marton-Imagn Images)
While this trade could work out well for the Celtics, Vucevic does struggle at times on the defensive end and if Boston does look to upgrade their frontcourt, they may elect to target younger players on the market to fit with their core’s timeline.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.