Proposed Trade Lands $97 Million Rim-Runner With Celtics
If they can control the glass, they can push the pace
During the summer, the Boston Celtics parted ways with three key members of the center rotation. Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet all moved on as Brad Stevens looked to cut costs and duck below the second luxury tax apron. As a result, the Celtics are struggling on the defensive glass, ranking 25th in the NBA in defensive rebounds per game.
The most logical way for the Celtics to improve their current big-man issues is via a trade. Neemias Queta is performing well as a starter for Joe Mazzulla’s team, but it’s clear he’d be better suited to a role in the second unit.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Zach Buckley proposed a trade that could give the Celtics the starting-caliber big man they’re looking for. The proposed deal would send Anfernee Simons and a 2027 first-round draft pick (top-five protected) to the Brooklyn Nets. In return, Nic Claxton would head to Boston.
Claxton, 26, is in the second year of his four-year, $97 million deal. What makes his contract so appealing is that it decreases in value year-on-year and will account for just 12% of the cap in 2027-28.
On the court, Claxton would give the Celtics a rim-runner who can control the glass and defend the rim, while also providing a lob threat on offense. There’s also a chance Claxton could develop into a short-roll weapon, which has been missing since Kornet headed to the San Antonio Spurs in free agency.
Claxton has suited up for 11 games so far this season. He’s averaging 15.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists, converting 61.5% from the field. It’s worth noting that he’d be the most athletic big man the Celtics have had since Robert Williams was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the Jrue Holiday deal in 2023.
Brooklyn has won one of its opening 11 games this season. The allure of another future first-round pick, coupled with Simons’ expiring deal, could be enough to entice them to the negotiating table. From there, Stevens would need to work his magic.
