The Boston Celtics are exploring the trade market for a suitable starting center in exchange for an expiring contract. So far, though, trade talks for the player they were targeting failed to come to fruition.
Boston Celtics’ Pursuit of A Starting Center Reportedly Stalled
When Jayson Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon in the playoffs last year, everyone figured he would miss the entire 2025-26 season. With that, the expectations were that the Celtics wouldn’t be in their usual competitive form. To the surprise of their doubters, though, they’ve been just as competitive even without one of their top stars.
As the team looks poised for a deep playoff run, the front office is pursuing upgrades to its frontcourt, specifically at the center position. Trade packages in their quest to find a center are reportedly centered on Anfernee Simons.
One player they tried to acquire in exchange for him, as per NBA Insider Michael Scotto, is Ivica Zubac. According to Scotto, the Celtics offered a young guard and some draft capital. However, the Los Angeles Clippers held on to their center.
“When the Clippers were struggling with a 6-21 record to begin the season, the Celtics inquired about an exploratory framework around Simons, a first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap for Ivica Zubac and salary filler, which didn’t gain any traction,” Scotto said.
Story: Reporting on Giannis Antetokounmpo, Domantas Sabonis, Jalen Green, Walker Kessler, Yves Missi, and trade talks involving the Lakers, Celtics, Knicks, Hawks, Bulls, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Jazz, Spurs, Magic, Pelicans, and Wizards on @hoopshype. https://t.co/m0X18YNzYs
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 28, 2026
Simons is in the final year of a four-year $100,000,000 contract. If he decides to enter free agency this offseason, trading him away before he can walk away for nothing will allow the Celtics’ front office to capitalize on his value.
Zubac, on the other hand, is only in the first year of a 3-year $58,650,480 deal. A contract that is much more friendly to a team looking to be a contender for several years to come, especially once Jayson Tatum returns fully healthy.
Numbers-wise, it is a down year for the eighth-year guard. Prior to Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks, he was averaging just 13.9 points per game. A significant drop from the 19.3 he averaged last season, 22.6 in 2023-24, and 21.1 in 2022-23.
The decrease in production isn’t a sudden regression in talent but instead reflects a diminished role. In his last three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, he was one of the primary options and saw steady minutes as a starter. In every game he’s played with the Celtics, he’s come off the bench behind Derrick White and Payton Pritchard.
Among their reserves, Simons has had the best output scoring-wise. However, the Celtics do not have a center who is producing starter-quality numbers. Neemias Queta has averaged 10 points and 8.0 rebounds with 25.1 minutes per game — decent numbers that are better suited for someone playing a backup role.
Zubac, as the Clippers’ starting center, is averaging 14.6 points and 10.9 rebounds. Even when the team was struggling, they were not interested in trading him for Simons. Now that they are winning more, a trade involving him before the deadline is becoming even less likely.
