NBA Insider Believes Celtics Could Trade For One More Big Man

The Boston Celtics weren’t supposed to be in the position they are in. When Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles and the team offloaded multiple key pieces from their championship core, a big step back was expected. Instead, the Celtics have shocked everyone by punching way above their weight and competing for a top spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Because of their surprising season, the Celtics' front office might need to pivot to a new strategy during this NBA trade deadline. When the season started, it was expected that the Celtics might want to make some minor moves to get under the luxury tax threshold. 

Now, the Celtics might look at their roster and realize that adding one or two small pieces. Chris Mannix reported that the Celtics might be on the buying side of the NBA trade market in order to bolster their roster for a surprise title run. 

“Look, if you're the Celtics, you've got to believe that if Jayson Tatum can return—and all indications, everything I’ve heard, suggest he’s going to push really hard in February and March to get back out there—the team will be in a position to compete. If Tatum comes back, the Celtics have to look at their roster and say, 'We're probably one big man away from competing for the crown in the Eastern Conference.' They've done a tremendous job mixing and matching guys in the frontcourt. Neemias Queta, who had six starts through his entire career before this season, has been a real rim protector for them, playing about 20–25 minutes per game.”

Adding Jayson Tatum late in the season, as well as another big man, could be all the Celtics need. The Eastern Conference is wide open, and even as it is, the Celtics seem like a dangerous playoff team. Add in an MVP talent like Tatum and another big man, and this Celtics team is going to be a serious threat come playoff time.