Celtics Have Had Conversations About Trading For Two Different Star Centers
Jan 29, 2026
The Boston Celtics aren’t satisfied with their surprisingly good season. When Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles in last year’s playoffs, nobody expected the Celtics to be super competitive this season. They’ve proved everyone wrong.
As of Thursday, the Celtics are the third seed in the Eastern Conference and have a record of 29–18. On top of that, Tatum has been recovering well and is expected to return this season.
That’s why the Celtics have been canvassing the trade market for some upgrades. The Celtics believe that if they can add another solid piece, along with the return of Tatum, they can be real title contenders come this spring.
Mike Scotto reported two different potential Celtics trades that were discussed already this season.
“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.”
“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.”
Even though neither of those trades went through, it is clear that the Celtics are trying to do something before next week’s trade deadline. They are likely looking for another center to bring some extra size and depth.
If the Celtics can pick up a nice piece on the trade market, they should be considered a truly dangerous threat to contend with in the Eastern Conference.
