The Boston Celtics are defying expectations this season. They're 20-12 and third in the Eastern Conference standings. Boston might even get Jayson Tatum back during the current campaign.
Even if he doesn't return to his level of play from before tearing his Achilles until next year, re-inserting a four-time All-NBA First Team selection into the lineup is the most significant move any franchise will make this season.
And if it's best for Tatum to either play a handful of games this year or wait until opening night of 2026 to return, those filling his minutes are proving worthy of them.
From Jordan Walsh to Josh Minott, Hugo Gonzalez, and Baylor Scheierman, Boston is suddenly home to one of the NBA's most encouraging youth movements.
What's happening this season is an exemplary display of what an elite infrastructure looks like. It's generating results that might lead to a trade-deadline approach that fans find unsatisfactory.
Why the Celtics might stand pat at the trade deadline
There are two clear areas Boston would target if the organization felt compelled to make a move. One option is to acquire a center. The other, which could go hand-in-hand with that, involves shedding salary to at least get under the first apron, if not below the luxury tax as well.
Regarding the former, the Celtics might not be ready to make a declaration about Neemias Queta yet. He is thriving with his opportunity in the first unit. However, why make a move now that hinders the ability to acquire an upgrade over the summer? The best path forward may include Queta starting next season, but there's no need to rush to make that decision.
It's unlikely the Celtics would trade for a rental. The exception would be if they felt strong about the ability to re-sign that individual or his contract included a club option for the 2026-27 campaign. Still, if what they're willing to give up won't net them a player the franchise feels confident will combine with Queta to solidify their 1-2 punch at the pivot beyond this season, then they won't go that route.
For now, they're watching Luka Garza capitalize on his chance to rejoin the rotation. He has his flaws, but he's even played better defense since Joe Mazzulla started calling his number again after 11 games where he had stayed glued to the bench or received minimal minutes.
Boston can count on Garza to play hard, provide an infusion of energy, set excellent screens, and make an impact on the offensive glass. Between him and small-ball options, like deploying Minott at center, the Celtics might feel content sticking with their current options this season.
What about an Anfernee Simons trade?
Boston could potentially put together a package to acquire a new starting center. Maybe it includes Simons, and the Celtics trim payroll in the process. However, they might opt for patience, wanting to see how Queta continues to develop over the course of a full year in the first unit.
Furthermore, the team might not be ready to part with Simons. As previously explored, perhaps he becomes a part of their long-term plans. He's averaging 13.5 points and nearly a steal per game in 23.3 minutes over his last six appearances. The eighth-year guard is acclimating to the role of sixth man and making commendable strides on defense. The 26-year-old guard provided 20 points and a steal off the bench in Tuesday's win over the Utah Jazz.
Like the idea of committing to Queta as the starting center for this entire season, the organization may want to see what Simons does over the course of a full year in Boston. Even if the Celtics re-sign him, they could later trade him to address an area of need. His next salary will be more palatable than his current $27.7 million contract.
And just as it would be intriguing to see Simons alongside Tatum, Sam Hauser, another name on the rumor mill, forms an impactful 1-2 punch with the team's star forward. The organization held onto Hauser this offseason. If he goes elsewhere, that move may take place in the summer, not by February's trade deadline.
So, while fans may clamor for the Celtics to strike a deal, the franchise's evaluation might lead them to the conclusion that it's better to stand pat. There's always a chance they find a worthwhile option in the G League or on the buyout market.