As the NBA trade deadline (Feb. 5) looms closer every day, more rosters will begin to shake up.
It’s both an exciting and nerve-racking time for fans. Some are eager for their team to trade for the final missing piece, while others are desperately begging for their favorite player not to be moved.
It’s a time when close relationships can be destroyed (hello, Luka Doncic and Mavs front office), or when close relationships are born (enter Derrick White and the entire Celtics fanbase). Boston Celtics fans hope the 2026 trade season brings similar fortune to 2022.
While it’s hard to say whether they will receive a player as beloved and impactful as Derrick White, there are definitely some moves the Celtics could explore.
#1: Trade for Ivica Zubac
With the Los Angeles Clippers reportedly listening to offers for the 28-year-old big man, the Celtics have expressed interest in acquiring him. It’s a move that makes sense for Boston and would no doubt improve their roster.
Zubac, a member of the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team last season, brings an undeniable presence at the rim and on the glass. While Neemias Queta has done a very respectable job taking on the role of starting center this year, the Croatian native would serve as the final (and arguably most important) defensive anchor in the paint for the Cs.
Averaging an impressive nightly double-double of nearly 15 points and 11 boards, Zubac would provide significant aid to Boston’s rebounding. This is likely the weakest aspect of their game. Currently, they rank 16th in the league in rebounds per game (44.5). Additionally, they are second-to-last in rebound chance percentage (52.9%).
Previously, LA’s stance was that Zubac would cost a buyer a baseline of two first-round picks, as reported by senior NBA insider Michael Scotto. While the Celtics do technically have the picks, likely, the asking price has now increased.
After slipping to a 6-21 start, the Clippers have somewhat righted the ship. They boast a 9-2 record over their last 11 games. With a recent win against the Pistons, the Clips remain 11th in the West, just one spot shy of a play-in spot.
It’s currently unknown whether or not the Clippers are leaning towards retaining the seven-footer amid this resurgence. Assuming there have been no changes to his status on the market, getting Zubac in Clover Green would bring Boston’s Finals aspirations that much more reachable.
#2: Trade for Ayo Dosunmu
Before even playing his first game as a Celtic, offseason signing Anfernee Simons was and is the subject of trade rumors. Simons is owed $27.7 million from the Celtics for 2025-26, the fourth-largest contract on the roster. With Boston being a very financially cautious team, shedding this obligation would help them to sit under the luxury tax.
According to ESPN, a potential trade could involve sending Simons to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Ayo Dosunmu.
The 25-year-old sixth man is averaging 14.5 points a game with 51.5/45.0/86.7 shooting splits. Additionally, Dosunmu brings a chippy defensive presence on the wing, something that fits part of Boston’s ethos. His $7 million salary is marginal compared to Simons’, and his offensive output is comparable. This makes it a real possibility.
If the Bulls require more than just Simons to ink a deal, the Celtics have four picks for this upcoming draft.
#3: Trade for Daniel Gafford
Like Zubac, the Dallas Mavericks’ 27-year-old power forward, the main selling point is his defensive presence in the paint.
NBA analyst Jake Weinbach reported Gafford has drawn the interest of Boston’s front office. He is seventh in total blocks since 2021. Not surprisingly, Boston could potentially look to get Simons involved in this trade as well. Gafford’s set to make a little over $14 million this year, which is much easier to swallow than Simons’ $27 million.
Sports Illustrated’s Austin Veazy proposed the following three-team trade that would send Gafford to Beantown:
Mavericks Receive: Anfernee Simons (BOS), Jalen Wilson (BRK), 2026 first-round pick (BOS)
Celtics Receive: Daniel Gafford, Naji Marshall
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Caleb Martin, 2030 second-round pick (PHI, via DAL), 2031 second-round pick (BOS), 2032 second-round pick (BOS)
Although a nagging ankle injury has delayed Gafford’s momentum, Boston still has reason to be intrigued.
Ultimately, whatever decisions the Celtics front office makes by Feb. 5 at 3:00 PM, fans needn’t lose too much sleep. General manager Brad Stevens has proven he can get deals done when it matters most.
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