The Boston Celtics are in urgent need of a starting-caliber center. If the season were to begin today, their depth at the position would include Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and rookie Amari Williams none of whom project as reliable starting options on a team with championship aspirations. While Xavier Tillman could provide short bursts in small-ball rotations, he isn’t a long-term solution.
President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens is expected to address this roster gap, and Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton stands out as a prime trade target.
At 26, Claxton is entering his seventh NBA season but may no longer be part of Brooklyn’s long-term vision. The Nets, signaling a rebuild during the 2025 NBA Draft by holding on to all five of their first-round picks, are focusing on youth development. Among their new additions is Danny Wolf, a stretch-five from the University of Michigan, while Day’Ron Sharpe has also shown potential in limited opportunities. These moves suggest Claxton could be expendable as the team looks to develop younger, more affordable players.
That situation presents a golden opportunity for the Celtics.
Since becoming a full-time starter in the 2022–23 season, Claxton has consistently produced averaging 11.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks while playing in over 70 games each year. His defensive versatility makes him especially valuable in Boston’s switch-heavy schemes, as he has the agility to guard on the perimeter and the length to protect the rim.
Following the departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and likely Al Horford, Boston’s frontcourt is thin. Acquiring a player like Claxton would help anchor the defense and reduce the workload on stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, allowing them to concentrate more on offense.
Most importantly, Claxton fits Boston’s competitive window. With his best years still ahead, he could become a long-term fixture alongside Tatum, Brown, and Derrick White.
If the Celtics are serious about staying in the title hunt, making a move for Claxton a proven, rising talent should be a top offseason priority.
