Getty
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla stands in a huddle with Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser and Derrick White.
What was widely expected to be a transitional season for the Boston Celtics has turned into something far more compelling.
With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury, Boston was viewed around the league as a likely deadline seller — a team content to tread water while eyeing the future. Instead, the Celtics have surged into the upper tier of the Eastern Conference, forcing a dramatic recalibration of their plans ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline.
Sitting near the top of the East behind MVP-caliber play from Jaylen Brown and the steady two-way excellence of Derrick White, the Celtics suddenly look like buyers. And league insiders say Boston is actively exploring ways to add one missing piece: a legitimate starting center.
Celtics’ Frontcourt Void Remains After Porzingis, Horford Departures
Boston’s offseason overhaul left a noticeable gap in the middle.
The departures of Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford stripped the Celtics of both rim protection and offensive versatility, placing unexpected responsibility on Neemias Queta, who has exceeded expectations. Queta is posting career highs across the board — 10.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game — and has been a stabilizing presence.
But internally, the Celtics know Queta is best cast as a rotation big rather than a championship-level anchor.
As a result, Boston had been eyeing several centers around the league, including Ivica Zubac (Clippers), Daniel Gafford (Mavericks), and Nic Claxton or Day’Ron Sharpe (Nets). Yet one name drawing particular attention would represent a seismic swing.
Celtics Emerge as Potential Suitor for Jaren Jackson Jr.
GettyMemphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. celebrates after a playoff win.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Celtics are among the teams that have registered interest in Memphis Grizzlies All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr.
Speaking on SNY’s “The Putback,” Scotto explained that while Memphis has publicly framed Jackson as a franchise pillar, league executives believe the calculus could change depending on the Grizzlies’ direction if they successfully trade Ja Morant.
“You got the Boston Celtics,” Scotto said. “You’ve got the Detroit Pistons. And there are other teams out there.”
Jackson, the 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, remains in the prime of his career and would instantly transform Boston’s defense. He’s averaging 18.9 points, shooting 36.3% from three, while adding 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.
Even without Tatum, Jackson’s rim protection and spacing would vault Boston into legitimate contention. With Tatum’s eventual return, the ceiling rises considerably.
Boston’s Potential Trade Package
Boston can assemble a competitive package using expiring salary, including Anfernee Simons’ $27.7 million deal and Sam Hauser’s $10 million contract, along with two first-round picks (2026 or 2027 and 2031).
From a pure basketball standpoint, Jackson fits cleanly. Financially, however, the picture is far more complicated.
The CBA Reality: Second Apron and Luxury Tax Consequences
Jackson earns $35 million this season, making a deadline trade feasible. But his five-year, $240 million extension kicks in aggressively, pushing his salary to nearly $49 million by 2026–27.
That contract would immediately thrust the Celtics back above the second apron, reintroducing harsh restrictions under the new CBA — frozen draft picks, limited trade flexibility, and an inability to add anything beyond minimum contracts.
Worse still, Boston would be staring at a luxury tax bill approaching $100 million, reopening the door to repeater penalties the franchise worked diligently to avoid last season.
For president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, the question is existential:
Is Jackson worth surrendering financial flexibility, future maneuverability, and nine-figure tax exposure?
A Championship Question the Celtics Can No Longer Avoid
Boston’s unexpected rise has removed the luxury of patience.
The Celtics are good — perhaps too good — to sit still. And with the East suddenly wide open, the front office must decide whether this season is merely a bridge… or an opportunity that demands bold action.
If Boston believes its championship window is open right now, then the conversation around Jaren Jackson Jr. becomes unavoidable — no matter the cost.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
More Heavy on Celtics
Loading more stories
