It’s trade season, and the Boston Celtics are firmly in the mix. At least, that’s what reports around the NBA will tell you.
Realistically speaking, the Celtics never let anything spill out from within their walls. The mystique of Brad Stevens has become what it is today because of how tight-lipped Boston is as an organization. It’s why their biggest deals often come (seemingly) out of nowhere.
That said, rumors are rumors. So, here’s where the Celtics’ name has been thrown around ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline (3 p.m. ET).
(If more rumors pop up in the next week, they will be added to the list. Rumors ordered from newest to oldest.)
(Date of rumor: January 28)
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Celtics reached out to the LA Clippers about a potential trade for Ivica Zubac. He also noted Boston’s interest in upgrading at the center position by using Anfernee SImons’ expiring contract.
“Conversely, if there was a notable center upgrade that could be attained while using Simons’ expiring contract, it could appeal to the Celtics,” Scotto wrote. “When the Clippers were struggling with a 6-21 record to begin the season, the Celtics inquired about an exploratory framework around Simons, a first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap for Ivica Zubac and salary filler, which didn’t gain any traction, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Zubac has been a popular name in discussions of potential options for Boston. The 28-year-old seven-footer has appeared in 39 games (38 starts) for the Clippers this season, playing 31.0 minutes per game. He is averaging 14.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.9 blocks while shooting 60.5% from the field.
Any trade for Zubac would almost certainly have to include Simons going out. The big man makes $18.1 million this year. That said, he’s under contract through the 2027-28 campaign, making $19.6 million and $21.0 million in the following years.
In addition, Scotto (January 6) and numerous other sources noted the Celtics’ interest in Zubac. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints also mentioned him in his report on January 12.
“During earlier trade inquiries, it would have taken at least two first-round picks for the Clippers to consider parting with Zubac, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. “Among the notable teams to express interest in trading for Zubac were the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics, HoopsHype has learned.”
BSJ Analysis: If the Celtics want to improve at the center position, they’d be hard-pressed to find a better combination of on-court and financial fit than Zubac. That said, the Clippers are 14-3 in their last 17 games, and moving Zubac may not be in the cards for them anymore. But if Boston could convince them, it would be worth it.
(Date of rumor: January 28)
Scotto also mentioned that the Celtics are one of a bunch of teams that have shown an interest in New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi.
“New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi has drawn significant trade interest, including the Pacers, Hawks, Celtics, Knicks, Bulls, Lakers, and Raptors as suitors, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. “Amid trade talks, the Pelicans have signaled that they’d want a first-round pick to consider parting with Missi, league sources said.”
Missi has appeared in 41 games for the Pelicans this season, starting seven of them and playing 19.2 minutes per contest. The 6-foot-11 center is averaging 5.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 54.3% from the floor.
Still just 21 years old, Missi is only in the second year of his four-year, rookie-scale contract. He makes $3.5 million this year.
BSJ Analysis: Missi would be a great fit off the bench for Boston. Adding another young center who can soak up minutes would be smart. But they should be hesitant about trading a first-rounder for him.
In an ideal world, the Celtics save their firsts for either a big-swing move or a chance to take more talent late in the draft (like Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, or Jordan Walsh). Still, a trade for Missi would make plenty of sense.
(Date of rumor: January 28)
In that same article, Scotto reported that the Chicago Bulls reached out to the Celtics earlier this season about a potential Nikola Vucevic trade.
“For example, earlier this season, well before Boston surged into second place in the East, the Chicago Bulls inquired on the possibility of trading center Nikola Vucevic for Simons and a Celtics first-round pick, which would have lowered Boston’s tax bill, but the Celtics weren’t interested, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote.
Vucevic has appeared in and started 45 games for the Bulls this season, playing 30.9 minutes per contest. The 35-year-old, 6-foot-9 center is averaging 16.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 50.9% from the field and 37.9% from deep (4.6 three-point attempts).
The big man is on a $21.5 million expiring contract this year.
BSJ Analysis: If the Celtics weren’t interested in this type of deal earlier in the season, it seems unlikely that they would be interested now, especially if the Bulls wanted a first-round pick. And even in general, with how good Simons has been lately, trading him for Vucevic doesn’t make much sense.
(Date of rumor: January 28)
Scotto also dropped a tidbit about Chris Boucher in that article.
“Meanwhile, with the strong play of starting center Neemias Queta and Luka Garza emerging as a capable backup center, while shooting 45.5 percent beyond the arc, Boston could explore the trade market for Chris Boucher and Xavier Tillman,” Scotto wrote. “Boucher has drawn exploratory interest from the Hawks, 76ers, Suns, and other teams, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Boucher has only appeared in eight games for Boston this year, and he hasn’t played since November 23. The 33-year-old big man is averaging 2.3 points and 2.3 rebounds. He’s on a minimum contract.
BSJ Analysis: There’s not too much to discuss when it comes to Boucher. If the Celtics can trade him for a second, they probably will. And even if they don’t get any value back, moving him to open up a roster spot would be smart, too.
(Date of rumor: January 28)
Tillman’s name was thrown into the same paragraph that mentioned Boucher. He noted that Boston could potentially move him, though no suitors were listed.
The 27-year-old big man has appeared in 13 games for the Celtics this year and is averaging just 2.4 points and 1.9 rebounds per contest. He’s on a minimum contract.
BSJ Analysis: A Tillman trade seems far less likely than a Boucher deal. Despite not being a regular part of the rotation, Tillman is an important locker-room presence for this Boston squad. Teammates confide in him. The coaching staff trusts him. Those qualities are invaluable, no matter how many minutes he plays.
(Date of rumor: January 28)
Important context: This is not a real rumor. This is a writer speculating based on a rumor. The Celtics have not been connected to Paolo Banchero, but since this idea will inevitably make the rounds on social media, I felt it was important to address it here.
On the January 28 edition of The Hoop Collective podcast, Tim MacMahon of ESPN noted that Banchero and Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley may not be seeing eye-to-eye.
“There’s a lot of talk around the NBA that Paolo Banchero and Jamahl Mosely might not be seeing eye-to-eye,” Bontemps said.
Then, Yahoo Sports aggregated an article that mentioned the Celtics and Bulls as potential teams that could target him.
Banchero has started 35 games for the Magic this season. The 23-year-old, 6-foot-10 forward is averaging 21.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting 46.1% from the floor and 29.1% from deep (3.8 three-point attempts).
The Magic star makes $15.3 million this year, but his contract is poison-pilled, as he just recently signed an extension. He’ll be under contract through the 2030-31 season. Banchero will be making $41.5 million next year. That number gets up to $54.8 million (player option) in the final season of his new deal.
BSJ Analysis: This is not happening. As noted with the pre-rumor context, it’s not even a real rumor. The only real part of this entire section is that Banchero and Mosley may not be getting along perfectly.
But the article “connecting” him to the Celtics is pure speculation. It’s just someone playing with the trade machine. Is a trade technically possible? Sure. But there are no legs here.
(Date of rumor: January 27)
“I know for a fact that there are tons of teams that have called the Kings about Keon Ellis,” Ham said. “According to my sources, here’s some names you have to keep in mind. The Minnesota Timberwolves, the Indiana Pacers, the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have all called on Keon Ellis.”
Ellis is a 3-and-D guard who would fit well in most systems around the league, though his efficiency has dropped off after a hot streak to begin the season. The 6-foot-4 guard has appeared in 40 games (five starts) and is playing 17.4 minutes per contest. He’s averaging 5.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while shooting 39.2% from the floor and 36.4% from deep (3.3 three-point attempts).
The 26-year-old makes just $2.3 million this season, making the financial pathway to adding him fairly simple. Plus, though he’s on an expiring contract, he will be extension eligible on February 9.
BSJ Analysis: Bringing Ellis on board would give Boston another great defender at the guard position, which is inherently valuable. If the price is a first-round pick, however, which it may end up being, then they should be wary. Boston’s draft capital is its best asset, and shipping some out for a guard when they already have Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Simons may not be practical.
(Date of rumor: January 26)
“Daniel Gafford is another Mavericks player receiving interest on the trade market, in part because of the number of NBA teams seeking an upgrade at center,” Clark wrote. “The Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics are among the teams interested in adding a big man.”
Gafford has been a solid center for Dallas this season, though his impact has certainly waned with the loss of Luka Doncic. The 6-foot-10, 27-year-old center has appeared in 30 games for Dallas this year, starting 20 of them and playing 20.6 minutes per contest. He is averaging 7.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 62.4% from the field.
This year, Gafford is making $14.4 million, and he’s under contract through the 2028-29 season, making $17.3 million, $18.1 million, and then $19.0 million.
BSJ Analysis: This one doesn’t make much sense. Obviously, adding extra center depth would be smart for Boston. But Gafford shouldn’t be a top target. Neemias Queta has been better this season, and he makes a fraction of what Gafford does. Gafford probably wouldn’t even start over Queta.
Plus, considering one of Simons or Sam Hauser would likely have to be included in a deal for Gafford, it wouldn’t be a good trade-off.
(Date of rumor: January 23)
During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Shams Charania of ESPN noted that the Celtics will be aggressive at this year’s deadline.
“They’ve been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially,” Charania said. “They’re going to be aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets. They’ve got contracts to play with.”
BSJ Analysis: Historically speaking, Charania has not had many legitimate reports about the Celtics. At least, not ones that have come out of Boston.
This goes back to the Celtics’ desire and ability to keep things in-house. That said, perhaps Charania has gotten intel from other teams around the league about the Celtics’ potential inquiries.
Boston being aggressive on the trade market would make sense. They have Simons’ expiring contract and some serious draft capital to work with. So, if they want to capitalize on Jaylen Brown’s incredible season and Jayson Tatum’s inevitable return, then maybe making a big-swing move this year would make sense.
That said, Stevens and the front office are very calculated, so it would likely have to be the perfect chance to strike (in their eyes).
(Date of rumor: January 21)
“Other players that have been linked to the Clippers over the last several days are Collin Sexton, Anfernee Simons, and Coby White,” Azarly wrote. “All three players are on expiring contracts and are currently on teams that likely prefer to move them for the right price. The Clippers are in need for another ball-handler and playmaker who could spell James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, so any of those three players could be an upgrade at the guard position for LA.”
Simons’ name has been thrown around in trade rumors from the moment he joined the Celtics this past summer (when Boston sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers).
“It’s the NBA. I mean, I’ve been in trade rumors since my third year,” Simons said on January 9. “Every other week, it’s something new. So, it’s just a part of the NBA, and you just got to be where your feet are.”
When the season started up, rumblings swelled regarding the Celtics’ potential interest in dumping his contract in order to duck below the first apron or dodge the repeater tax.
Since then, a lot has changed.
Not only has Boston emerged as one of the best teams in the East, but Simons’ play has improved dramatically. At the beginning of the year, his defense forced Boston to take him off the floor. Now, it’s keeping him on it.
On January 6, Scotto reported Boston’s unwillingness to give up a first in a Simons deal. He also mentioned that the Milwaukee Bucks as a team to watch.
“The Celtics have been unwilling to part with a future first-round pick to move Simons, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. “Simons is in the final year of his contract worth $27.68 million, averaging 13.5 points on 39.6 percent shooting from 3-point range as a Celtics reserve. He’s also drawn interest from the Milwaukee Bucks, as HoopsHype previously reported.”
Simons has appeared in 46 games for the Celtics (no starts) and is playing 24.6 minutes per contest. He is averaging 13.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 43.5% from the floor and 39.3% from deep (6.6 three-point attempts). The 26-year-old is on a $27.7 million expiring contract.
BSJ Analysis: To trade, or not to trade. That is the question. And it comes down to two very simple options.
If the Celtics can take a big enough swing on an ideal long-term fit using Simons’ contract, then make the deal. If not, then don’t (unless he makes it clear he may leave in free agency).
Simons’ play has been far too valuable to the Celtics this season to trade him for anything less than positive value.
(Date of rumor: January 13)
“Multiple league sources have asserted something whispered in the wind for a long time: The Boston Celtics would love to add Jaren Jackson Jr.,” Moore wrote. “There is no team I’ve heard with more interest for Jackson.”
Jackson, the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23, has pieced together a solid year for a middling Grizzlies roster. The 6-foot-10 forward has appeared in 42 games this season (all starts) and is playing 30.6 minutes per contest. He is averaging 18.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 47.9% from the field and 35.9% from deep (4.6 three-point attempts).
The 26-year-old’s contract is massive. He only makes $35 million this year, which means a trade would be relatively simple from a financial standpoint. But after that, he’s under contract for four more years, earning $49 million, $50.5 million, $52.0 million, and $53.5 million (player option).
BSJ Analysis: In theory, Jackson fits perfectly next to Tatum and Brown, both in the short and long term. And with the style of defense Joe Mazzulla has employed this season, Jackson could take them from a solid defensive team to one of the best in the league.
However, trading for a contract that large would immediately thrust Boston back into the second-apron situation they had to dig themselves out of this past summer, when they traded Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and let Al Horford and Luke Kornet walk in free agency.
That said, if Bill Chisholm is willing to foot the bill, Jackson could give Boston a few years of one of the best rosters in basketball again (before the second apron starts to rear its ugly head and more decisions are needed).
Other important context: Moore is not necessarily an everyday, league-wide source, nor a beat reporter. That said, he has been an NBA writer for two decades, so he likely has plenty of friends (with information) around the league. All rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, especially when it comes to the Celtics, but that’s an important tidbit nonetheless.
(Date of rumor: January 12)
According to Siegel, the Celtics have been linked to a group of centers ahead of the deadline, one of which being Brooklyn Nets big man Day’Ron Sharpe.
“Brad Stevens is always seeking new ways to reinvent his team and put the Celtics in the best position to contend,” Siegel wrote. “Simons remains a big question mark as a result, and the Celtics are the sneakiest buyers on the market as a result. Daniel Gafford, Ivica Zubac, Robert Williams III, and Day’Ron Sharpe are key frontcourt talents connected to Boston recently.”
Sharpe has given the Jordi Fernandez Nets solid minutes this season. The 6-foot-10 center has appeared in 42 games (three starts) and is playing 18.2 minutes per contest. He is averaging 7.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 60.3% from the floor.
The 24-year-old makes just $6.3 million this season with a team option for the same amount next year.
Another notable piece of information came from Scotto, who reported back on November 26, 2025, that the Celtics targeted Sharpe in free agency this past summer. He could have had a chance to compete for their starting center spot.
“It’s worth noting that Boston also planned to pursue Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe in free agency, league sources told HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote. “The Celtics would’ve been limited to only a minimum offer for Sharpe, but were prepared to offer a chance to compete for the starting center spot this season.”
BSJ Analysis: Sharpe is the exact type of player who could fit in perfectly as a backup center in Boston. His switchability on the perimeter would make him a decent shake-up option from Queta and Luka Garza, too.
The Celtics have a TPE he would fit into if they don’t want to trade one of their rotation guys, but it’s up to ownership whether they want to spend the extra cash.
Also included in that same Siegel rumor dump was a note that Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III, a former Celtic, is a guy Boston had been connected to.
Williams has enjoyed his healthiest campaign in years this season. The 6-foot-9 center has appeared in 32 games (one start) and is playing 16.2 minutes per contest. He is averaging 6.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 73.3% from the floor.
The 28-year-old makes $13.3 million and is on an expiring contract.
BSJ Analysis: Williams was electric during his time in Boston. When he returned to TD Garden on Monday night, the first game he’s played against the Celtics in his career, he looked as close to his former self as ever.
Whether Boston should actually make a trade for Williams depends solely on the price. If Portland would be okay receiving a second-rounder, and the Celtics felt fine taking him into a TPE, then why not? But if he’s the return in a Simons trade (which would have to be a three-teamer, because Simons cannot be traded back to the Blazers this year), then it wouldn’t be a smart move.