Celtics' conference rival could be ideal trade partner to fortify center position

Neemias Queta evolved from a fourth-string center to playing like a top-10 player at his position this season. Foul trouble undermined him during the Boston Celtics' first-round exit against the Philadelphia 76ers. However, in a display that captured his mental fortitude, he didn't let the pressure of Game 7 or his team taking him out of the starting lineup stand in the way of his best performance of the series. Suddenly in the second unit, the 26-year-old came off the bench to provide 17 points, the third-most on the Celtics, and 12 rebounds, matching Joel Embiid for the most in the matchup.

Boston's entering an offseason of uncertainty. Nothing was immune from criticism at Brad Stevens' end-of-season press conference. Change is coming. However, applying that to the center position, rather than searching for a new starter, the best option may be to find a partner who forms a potent 1-2 punch with Queta.

That could come from the draft. The Celtics hold the 27th overall pick. Some project them taking a center, such as Henri Veesaar. While the seven-foot standout from the University of North Carolina could fit the bill, the organization probably wants a veteran upgrade.

The answer could come from a conference rival who, like Boston, entered the playoffs with Finals aspirations, only to see their season end in a Game 7 on their home floor.

The Pistons are an ideal trade partner for the Celtics

Detroit needs shooting. Boston can provide that in exchange for a center to complement Queta.

There's a compelling case to target Paul Reed. He didn't just outperform Isaiah Stewart in the playoffs; the Pistons found themselves relying on him over starter Jalen Duren down the stretch against the Cleveland Cavaliers, as they fought for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Still, if the Celtics aren't scared off by Stewart's postseason struggles, he could fit in well in Boston. It's also worth noting that he had participated in just one playoff game before this go-around. The soon-to-be 25-year-old will surely use that experience, both the lessons learned and the conviction that he can perform at a higher level, as motivation moving forward. A trade would likely add even more fuel to his fire.

The Celtics have shown interest in acquiring him in the past. They could reap the rewards of acquiring him this summer if his playoff shortcomings become a springboard in his development.

Detroit's sixth man is also coming off a regular season in which he was excellent defensively. That includes swatting 1.6 shots per game in just under 23 minutes of floor time. The Celtics aren't short on options to provide an infusion of energy off the bench. However, Stewart would also bring more physicality and a rugged brand of basketball. His style of play would quickly capture the hearts of the fan base.

The former 16th overall pick would also help Boston win on the margins. He grabbed 1.7 offensive rebounds per tilt last season. And he could be a punishing screen setter who helps create advantageous opportunities for his new team's primary ball-handlers.

Perhaps Stewart even recaptures his effectiveness from beyond the arc. He's only two years removed from knocking down 38.3 percent of the 3.3 threes he hoisted. To this point in his career, that's an outlier. However, it also signals his potential in that department. Even without a reliable long-range shot, he's coming off a campaign where he averaged 10 points off the bench.

As for the cost, that figures to be Sam Hauser. The Pistons need shooting. They must give Cade Cunningham more space to operate with and complement him with reliable kick-out options.

While both sides might be able to do better, including if either player is a part of a trade package for a more significant return, it would be a fair exchange in value.

Stewart's on the books for $15 million for the 2026-27 campaign. He has a player option worth the same amount for the following season, per Spotrac. There's a strong chance he'll opt out. Should Boston acquire him, it could utilize its $27.7 million traded-player exception [TPE] to absorb his contract. The other option is to preserve that. In that case, they would take on a $4.2 million salary cap hit. The franchise would remain under the first apron.

While Hauser is the best shooter among those who would see a spike in playing time if he's traded, the Celtics have an abundance of young wings who are ready for an increased opportunity. The veteran forward helped raise Banner 18 to the rafters. He blossomed from an undrafted free agent into a starter this season. However, the chance to add Stewart, fortifying the center spot and creating more positional balance, is a practical path to improvement.

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