The Boston Celtics swiftly traded Kristaps Porzingis to get under the second tax apron, but Brad Stevens must add a starting-caliber center to round out their roster. Al Horford and Luke Kornet are both free agents. The Celtics could bring one of them back, but it would likely mean making another trade. The most likely option is signing a free agent capable of providing quality minutes at the five.
Stevens and the Celtics front office wasted zero time getting their finances in order. They stunningly traded Jrue Holiday and Porzingis on back-to-back days. Boston got Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang in return to give them two quality rotation pieces. They plan on competing for a playoff spot in 2026 before ramping back into title contention in 2027 when Jayson Tatum returns from his Achilles surgery.
The Cs cannot do it without a center. That is the franchise’s obvious next move. They may select a backup option with the 28th pick in Wednesday’s draft, but signing or trading for a starter is a must.
Celtics will add a starting center after trading Kristaps Porzingis
There are several quality options available in free agency, like Clint Capela or Brook Lopez. Boston could go into the trade market for someone on a bargain contract. Stevens has proven to be a master at making trades for players that fit Boston’s system.
Expect Boston to explore every avenue. They have discussed Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Sam Hauser in trade talks, along with the two moves the franchise has already made. Stevens is not done yet. He will remake it into a quality roster that is ready to make the playoffs in 2026. That means adding a starting center and finding pieces to maximize things around Tatum and Brown moving forward.
Fans knew Holiday and Porzingis would likely be moved this offseason, but nobody expected it to happen this quickly. Stevens got under the second apron before the draft and has several avenues to explore to build out his roster. Expect the Cs to attack their needs and be back in the mix with a younger and more reliable roster.
The Boston Celtics have the best lead executive in the NBA in Brad Stevens. He built their 2024 title roster around Tatum and Brown and is well on his way to remaking it to fit under the new rules. Anfernee Simons is just entering his prime, and Georges Niang is a quality rotation piece. Boston is not done. They will find depth pieces and get their starting center while dodging the financial restrictions. Steven is just getting started. It has been impressive already, but the best is yet to come.