The Boston Celtics have established themselves as legitimate contenders in the wide-open Eastern Conference. They entered Saturday's matchup against old friend Luke Kornet and the San Antonio Spurs sitting second in the East. They also have the second-most wins against teams with a .500 record or better.
Their success has amplified the calls for them to be buyers between now and the trade deadline. Those hoping to see Boston move in that direction may get their wish.
According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Celtics are looking at the prospect of upgrading their options at the center position.
"The two big men that I'm looking at, that I think the Celtics are looking at and have discussed internally are Ivica Zubac, the LA Clippers center, and Robert Williams III," reported Mannix on NBA on NBC.
Assessing those trade options for the Celtics
Zubac would be the more significant and therefore more costly acquisition. Pulling off a deal for him could require Anfernee Simons, a player the Clippers have reportedly shown interest in before, and multiple first-round picks.
The seven-foot center is averaging 15.0 points and shooting 60.5 percent on 10.6 shots. Zubac is also grabbing 10.7 rebounds per game, including 3.5 at the offensive end, and blocking 1.0 shots per contest. He is even dishing out 2.6 assists per tilt. Furthermore, like Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, he's an excellent pick-and-roll partner.
Zubac, who turns 29 in March, is on a team-friendly deal. He is under contract for $18.1 million this season, $19.6 million next year, and $21 million for the 2027-28 campaign.
If the Celtics land him, they could shed money in the process. ESPN proposes that they subsequently target Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu to replace Simons.
The fly in the ointment is that it's hard to envision the Clippers trading Zubac by February's deadline. They're 8-2 in their last 10 tilts and turning it around with a healthy Kawhi Leonard. Furthermore, their starting center is their best young player. Parting with him now feels rushed.
Boston would not have to surrender as much to welcome back the Time Lord.
While the Portland Trail Blazers are ninth in the Western Conference, Williams is on an expiring, $13.3 million contract. They could decide it's best to trade him, especially since he may not be in their long-term plans. The franchise invested consecutive first-round picks at his position, selecting Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen.
Williams, now 28, remains productive when he's on the court. He is averaging 5.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per contest. He has appeared in 26 games this year.
The Celtics could utilize the trade exception created in the deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks to absorb their former first-round pick's salary. The primary cost of acquiring him would be second-round capital.
Given their ability to execute recent trades with the Trail Blazers, perhaps the two sides could come together on another deal, this time sending Williams back to Boston.