With the February 5 trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Boston Celtics are said to be in the market for a starting-calibre center to strengthen their rotation.
While both Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have made solid contributions this season, neither is viewed as a long-term starting option for a team with championship ambitions. As a result, Boston could look to engage rival teams in trade talks over the coming days.
One name that has emerged as a potential target is LA Clippers big man Ivica Zubac. The 7-footer would be a strong fit for Joe Mazzulla’s system and address a clear area of need in the Celtics’ frontcourt.
However, any move for Zubac appears to be far from straightforward. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has already seen an initial offer for the center turned down by the Clippers.
With time ticking down before the deadline, Boston may be forced to either return to the negotiating table or shift their focus to alternative options as they look to fine-tune a roster built to contend for a title.
“If there was a notable center upgrade that could be attained while using Simons’ expiring contract, it could appeal to the Celtics,” Scotto reported. “When the Clippers were struggling with a 6-21 record to begin the season, the Celtics inquired about an exploratory framework around Simons, a first-round pick, and a future first-round pick swap for Ivica Zubac and salary filler, which didn’t gain any traction, league sources told HoopsHype.”
It appears unlikely that the Celtics would be willing to sweeten a potential trade for Ivica Zubac with significant additional draft capital. While the center is undoubtedly a high-level player, a package built around Anfernee Simons alongside a draft pick and a pick swap is probably the maximum Boston should be prepared to offer.
However, that valuation may fall short of the Clippers’ expectations. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Boston would need to include multiple draft picks in any deal for Zubac, raising questions over whether the Celtics would be willing to meet that asking price.
“The Clippers, however, have rejected trade offers for Zubac, with a belief around the league that they’re seeking multiple first-round picks in any potential deal for him,” Siegel reported. “One team offered an unprotected first-round pick and a pick swap in an offer for Zubac, sources said, but those talks didn’t go anywhere.”
Ivica Zubac would bring plenty to the table, offering elite rim protection, strong screening and dependable scoring around the basket. His ability to anchor the paint in a drop-coverage scheme would give Boston’s defense an immediate boost. That said, Brad Stevens will have a clear limit on what he is prepared to sacrifice in negotiations, and surrendering multiple draft picks may prove to be a step too far.
Zubac is far from the only center expected to be available ahead of the deadline. In recent weeks, the Celtics have also been linked with Danile Gafford, Yves Missi and a possible reunion with former big man Robert Williams.
With several options potentially in play, Stevens can afford to be patient as trade talks across the league continue to gather momentum. As the February 5 deadline approaches, discussions are expected to intensify naturally.
Given the solid contributions from Neemias Queta, Boston are under no immediate pressure to force a move. While upgrading at center remains a priority, it is not an urgent need that must be addressed right now. Stevens could just as easily wait until the offseason to fully assess the market before identifying his preferred target and making a decisive push.
The main drawback to waiting, however, is that Anfernee Simons’ expiring contract would no longer be available as a trade asset. Ultimately, the Celtics’ approach may hinge on how they view Simons’ long-term future. If Stevens believes now is the right time to capitalise on the guard’s strong form, a move before the February 5 deadline would make perfect sense.
