Celtics reportedly unlikely to take ‘huge swings’ ahead of NBA trade deadline

Boston Celtics

Boston is tied for second in the Eastern Conference entering Friday.

By Conor Roche

January 30, 2026 | 3:58 PM

2 minutes to read

There have been multiple reports that have indicated that the Celtics will seek to make a notable addition ahead of the trade deadline, but it might not be for a star player.

The Celtics aren’t expected to take “huge swings” ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst reported Friday. The report added that the Celtics trading for Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo or Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. is “unlikely.”

Still, Boston is expected to seek a way to improve its roster ahead of the trade deadline in some capacity and guard Anfernee Simons is the most likely player the Celtics would move if they have to match salary in a trade, ESPN’s report added. Simons is making $27.7 million this season, which is the final year of his contract.

While Friday’s report is just the latest to suggest the Celtics will take a buyer’s approach ahead of the trade deadline, it’s the first since news broke that Jayson Tatum is reconsidering whether to return this season. Tatum’s return would almost certainly be a bigger addition than any move the Celtics could make at the deadline. However, Tatum told ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne he hasn’t made a decision about returning this season as he continues to rehab from his Achilles tear.

Beyond a possible midseason return from Tatum, a potential frontcourt addition could be the biggest move that the Celtics could make. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported last week that the team could be looking to add a “big-time” center, as their big man depth has been shaky.

Beyond Antetokounmpo and Jackson, the top speculated trade candidate at center ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline is Clippers standout Ivica Zubac. The Celtics have been linked to Zubac in recent weeks, with Boston exploring a move for him when Los Angeles was struggling earlier in the season, HoopsHype’s Mike Scotto reported earlier this week. The potential framework of that trade reportedly included the Celtics giving up Simons, a first-round pick, and a first-round pick swap.

Zubac has emerged as one of the NBA’s top centers over the last couple of seasons. He was named All-Defensive second team in 2024-25, when he averaged 16.8 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. The 28-year-old is averaging 14.6 points and 10.9 rebounds per game this season.

Some other notable big men who’ve been speculated to be available ahead of the trade deadline are Anthony Davis (Mavericks), Domantas Sabonis (Kings), Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks), and Daniel Gafford (Mavericks).

The Celtics, who enter Friday with the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, don’t have much wiggle room to make a noteworthy addition without giving up a key piece. Boston sits less than $8 million below the second apron, making it difficult for the Celtics to make a trade where they add salary.