The Boston Celtics are expected to prioritize adding depth at the center position this offseason, according to Brian Robb of MassLive, who shared his insights in a recent mailbag column.
With several uncertainties looming in the frontcourt, bolstering the interior could become a key focus for the Celtics as they retool for the 2025 season.
One of the central issues revolves around Kristaps Porzingis, who carries a significant $30.7 million salary for next season.
Given Boston’s evolving cap situation and potential shift in direction, Porzingis may emerge as a prime trade candidate.
Meanwhile, veteran bigs Al Horford and Luke Kornet are set to enter unrestricted free agency, further thinning the team’s depth at the five.
Horford, who just turned 39, is contemplating his playing future, and there’s no guarantee he’ll return, especially with the Celtics possibly taking a step back from championship contention following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury.
Tatum’s absence will be felt not just as a scorer and leader, but also as a rebounder.
Robb emphasizes that Tatum’s rebounding ability, averaging 8.7 boards per game this past season, was crucial, particularly because the Celtics don’t currently have a dominant rebounder in their frontcourt rotation.
That weakness was exposed during Boston’s Game 6 loss to the New York Knicks, where they were thoroughly outworked on the glass.
In terms of roster-building strategy, Robb suggests that Boston’s best chance to add size may come through trades rather than free agency.
If the team proceeds with expected moves involving Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and potentially other high-salary players, they may have opportunities to take back big men as part of those transactions.
However, the Celtics’ flexibility in free agency is limited; they’ll be restricted to offering veteran minimum contracts, which narrows the pool of available talent.
Robb names Mason Plumlee, Jaxson Hayes, and Paul Reed as examples of the caliber of players Boston could reasonably target under those constraints.
All three are serviceable options who could bring energy, rim protection, and rebounding at a low cost, but none would be viewed as long-term solutions at the position.
In summary, with Tatum’s injury and uncertainty around key big men, Boston’s frontcourt is in flux.
Whether through trade or bargain free-agent signings, finding reliable help at center is shaping up to be one of the team’s top offseason priorities.
The Celtics are facing a potential shortage at center, plus more from Boston. https://t.co/59sKtf8IX1
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 15, 2025
