Boston Celtics Linked to Major Trade for $97 Million Big Man

By Evan Massey

Contributing Sports Writer

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Coming into the 2025-26 NBA season, everyone knew that the Boston Celtics would have somewhat of a down season. Due to the torn Achilles suffered by superstar forward Jayson Tatum last year in the playoffs, the Celtics were no longer viewed as a top-tier NBA Finals contender entering this campaign.

So far, the expectations have turned out to be correct.

At this point in the season, Boston holds a 9-8 record. There have been some positive signs about the team, but without Tatum the road will be difficult. However, he has been making a quick recovery from the brutal injury.

Read more: Golden State Warriors Could Pursue Massive Trade for $186 Million Star

One major issue so far this season has been the play from the center position. Kristaps Porzingis was traded away during the offseason due to cap room issues and the Celtics could use some help in the front court.

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Keeping that in mind, there is a chance that Boston could consider being a buyer at the trade deadline for players the team thinks could help both now and for the future. There is an intriguing name that has been brought up as a possible target.

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report believes that the Celtics could be a perfect trade suitor for Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton. He went as far as to suggest what a potential trade package between the two teams could look like.

In his suggested trade, Boston would acquire Claxton from the Nets in exchange for Anfernee Simons, a 2026 second-round pick (via Orlando, Detroit, or Milwaukee), and a 2027 first-round pick that would be top-five protected.

"The Celtics, admittedly, thinned their own frontcourt with the financially-driven subtractions of Kristaps Porziņģis, Luke Kornet and Al Horford, but they'll want to have their big-man collection in better shape for whenever Jayson Tatum is ready to return from his torn Achilles," Buckley wrote. "Claxton would immediately be the best interior anchor in Boston, essentially serving as a more skilled version of current starter Neemias Queta."

Read more: Report: Knicks Emerge as Contender to Make $175.3 Million Blockbuster Trade

Claxton has been a very underrated NBA center throughout his career. He's a good defender and a capable offensive player.

This season in Brooklyn, Claxton has played in 17 games. He has averaged 14.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game, while shooting 56 percent from the floor.

While this is just an idea at this point, it's worth keeping an eye on. The Celtics need a center and Claxton would be a great pickup to help fill that need.

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