The Boston Celtics may have found a smart way to fill their frontcourt void by trading for a talented big man a move that could help shape their future beyond the 2025-26 season. With the roster undergoing major changes, including the departures of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and Jayson Tatum out with an Achilles injury, Boston appears to be shifting toward a longer-term strategy.
While the team still features star players like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, the frontcourt remains a major concern. As things stand, Neemias Queta (averaging 5.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in under 14 minutes per game) is the projected starter at center. Though serviceable, he doesn’t offer the defensive impact or upside Boston needs to remain a true contender.
This is where a potential trade with the Brooklyn Nets comes into play one that could offer both immediate help and future value.
Proposed Trade
Boston Celtics receive:
- Nic Claxton
Brooklyn Nets receive:
- Anfernee Simons
- 2026 First-Round Pick (BOS)
- 2026 Second-Round Pick (BOS)
Why This Makes Sense for the Celtics: Strengthening a Key Weakness
Heading into the new season, Boston’s top priority is bridging short-term competitiveness with long-term success. While Queta brings energy, he lacks the mobility and defensive versatility the Celtics have counted on in recent seasons with bigs like Robert Williams III and Porzingis.
Defensively, Queta was exposed in pick-and-roll coverages, and in high-stakes games, his limitations became clear.
Acquiring Nic Claxton would immediately upgrade that spot. The 25-year-old center (10.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.4 BPG in nearly 27 minutes per game) brings length, agility, and shot-blocking a skillset tailor-made for Joe Mazzulla’s defensive schemes. Claxton’s ability to switch and defend across multiple actions could free up Boston’s perimeter defenders to play more aggressively.
On the offensive end, Claxton offers value as a lob target and pick and roll partner. While he’s not a primary scorer, he adds inside presence and has shown signs of a developing mid-range shot.
In essence, this move turns a glaring weakness into a functional strength without giving up any core players.
Why the Nets Would Make the Deal: Building Toward the Future
From Brooklyn’s standpoint, this trade aligns with their rebuild. After the failed superstar experiment with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, the Nets are clearly shifting toward asset accumulation and long-term planning.
If they’re considering moving on from Cam Thomas as rumors suggest adding Anfernee Simons (19.3 PPG, 4.8 APG) gives them an immediate replacement who can score, create, and grow with their young core.
The two draft picks sweeten the deal. Even if Boston’s selections fall late in the draft order, additional picks help the Nets stay flexible and stockpile talent. It’s a forward-thinking move that fits a team looking to build sustainably rather than chase short-term success.
Win-Win Deal, With Boston Gaining the Edge
This trade could be one of those rare win-win scenarios. Boston secures a starting-caliber big man who can help now and fit long-term with Tatum, while Brooklyn adds scoring and valuable draft assets to aid their rebuild.
Still, it’s fair to say Boston would walk away the bigger winner. Without parting with a franchise cornerstone, they’d get a legitimate two-way center in Claxton someone who could be a foundational piece once their full roster is back in place.
For a Celtics team trying to stay competitive through adversity, this kind of trade could stabilize the present and brighten the future. It’s a strategic move that fits Brad Stevens’ front-office track record smart, calculated, and potentially game-changing.
