During a recent appearance on the The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN insider Shams Charania indicated that the Boston Celtics are actively exploring opportunities to make a significant move ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
Charania characterized Boston’s approach as “aggressive,” suggesting the front office is motivated to reshape the roster in a meaningful way.
“They’ve been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially,” he said about Boston’s approach to the trade deadline.
“They’re going to be aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets. They’ve got contracts to play with.”
Boston has been connected to several potential targets, including Ivica Zubac of the LA Clippers and Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies.
From a financial standpoint, the Celtics can dangle Anfernee Simons’ expiring $27.7 million contract, along with a $22.5 million traded player exception, to help facilitate a deal.
They also retain most of their future first-round draft picks, though their 2032 selection remains frozen due to last season’s second-apron status.
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At present, the Celtics sit roughly $7.8 million under the second apron and are widely viewed as unlikely to exceed that threshold again this season.
