3 options Celtics could add to center not named 'Giannis'
3 options Celtics could add to center not named 'Giannis'
The Boston Celtics are entering a transformative 2026 offseason following a disappointing first-round exit against the Philadelphia 76ers. While rumors of a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to swirl, the financial reality of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement and the loss of depth such a move would entail make it imperative for Brad Stevens to consider more balanced alternatives. The frontcourt, specifically the center position, has emerged as the primary area for improvement after a season where Neemias Queta was forced into a starting role and Nikola Vucevic faced free agency. To maintain their championship window around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston needs a rim protector who can also provide floor spacing or elite rebounding without bankrupting the bench. The three best options for the Celtics to upgrade at center without pursuing Giannis include Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets, Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, and P.J. Washington from the Dallas Mavericks. Each player offers a distinct profile—ranging from switchable defensive dominance to youthful rim protection and small-ball versatility—that fits within Boston's existing trade exceptions and salary cap structure.Analyzing the Celtics Frontcourt Needs After the 2026 Season
The 2025-26 season exposed significant vulnerabilities in the Boston Celtics' interior defense. Despite finishing the regular season with a strong 56-26 record, the absence of a truly dominant defensive anchor was felt acutely in the playoffs. Neemias Queta, while showing remarkable growth and becoming a fan favorite, often found himself overmatched against elite Eastern Conference bigs like Joel Embiid. The Celtics' defensive rating, while still top-tier, lacked the "fear factor" at the rim that Robert Williams III once provided. Furthermore, the aging of the frontcourt rotation and the free agency of veteran Nikola Vucevic leave a vacuum of experience and production. Joe Mazzulla’s system relies on versatile bigs who can either stretch the floor or serve as high-level lob threats. Without an upgrade, the Celtics risk wasting another year of Tatum and Brown's prime. Brad Stevens has proven he is not afraid to make bold moves, but the "Giannis or Bust" mentality is a dangerous game. Instead, targeting a player who can anchor the defense for the next five years is the more sustainable path to a 19th banner.Option 1: The Defensive Versatility of Nic Claxton
Nic Claxton represents perhaps the most seamless fit for the Celtics' defensive identity. At 27 years old, Claxton is entering his prime and has already established himself as one of the league's premier switchable defenders. For a Celtics team that loves to switch 1 through 5, Claxton’s ability to stay in front of guards while maintaining elite rim-protection stats is invaluable. During his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, Claxton has consistently ranked near the top of the league in field goal percentage allowed at the rim. Financially, Claxton is a realistic target. He is currently on a four-year deal worth approximately $97 million, with a salary of $23.2 million for the 2026-27 season. Because the Celtics possess a large traded player exception (TPE) generated from the Anfernee Simons deal, they could potentially absorb Claxton's salary without sending back an equal amount of player salary. This allows Boston to keep their core rotation intact while adding a starting-caliber center. Claxton’s offensive game, while limited to lobs and putbacks, would thrive in an environment where he is surrounded by the spacing provided by Tatum, Brown, and Derrick White.Option 2: The Rim Protection Ceiling of Walker Kessler
If the Celtics want a traditional, towering presence at the five, Walker Kessler is the ideal candidate. The 7-foot-2 center from the Utah Jazz is a "double-double machine" who provides a level of verticality the Celtics haven't had since the peak of the "Time Lord" era. Kessler’s primary appeal is his shot-blocking; he is a natural deterrent in the paint who forces opponents to settle for mid-range jumpers. While Kessler is a restricted free agent, or a prime trade candidate as Utah reshapes its roster around Jaren Jackson Jr., the Celtics could entice Danny Ainge with a package of draft picks and young prospects like Sam Hauser or Jordan Walsh. Some analysts suggest a four-year, $125 million contract for Kessler, which would be a significant investment but would solidify the center position for years to come. Kessler’s youth matches the timeline of Boston's stars, and his presence would allow Jayson Tatum to play his more natural power forward position without the burden of heavy interior defense.Option 3: P.J. Washington and the Small-Ball Revolution
P.J. Washington offers a completely different look for the Celtics. While he isn't a traditional 7-footer, his 6-foot-8 frame and 7-foot-2 wingspan allow him to play the "five" in small-ball lineups that could unlock new offensive levels for Boston. Washington is a proven winner who played a vital role in the Dallas Mavericks' recent success. His ability to shoot the three (averaging 32.5% to 35% from deep) would provide the five-out spacing that Joe Mazzulla covets. Washington is entering a four-year, $88.7 million extension, making him a cost-controlled asset. His defensive versatility is his greatest strength; he can switch onto wings and protect the rim at a respectable level. In a playoff series against teams like the Pacers or Knicks, having a big man who can pull their shot-blockers out of the paint is a massive tactical advantage. Adding Washington would give the Celtics the flexibility to play "big" with Queta or "fast" with Washington, depending on the matchup.Comparing Trade Assets: What Can Boston Offer?
Brad Stevens has carefully managed the Celtics' assets, ensuring they remain players in the trade market. Currently, Boston holds four tradable first-round picks and several second-rounders. Additionally, Sam Hauser has become a valuable trade chip; his elite shooting and improved defense make him attractive to rebuilding teams like the Nets or Jazz who need floor spacing.| Target Player | Primary Asset Needed |
|---|---|
| Nic Claxton | Traded Player Exception (TPE) + 2 First-Round Picks |
| Walker Kessler | Sam Hauser + Jordan Walsh + 1st Round Pick |
The Financial Impact of the Second Apron
Navigating the NBA's luxury tax tiers is the biggest challenge for the Celtics' front office. Being a "second apron" team carries heavy penalties, including the inability to use the Mid-Level Exception (MLE) and restrictions on aggregating salaries in trades. However, owner Bill Chisholm has indicated a willingness to spend to keep the team competitive. By targeting players like Claxton or Washington rather than a supermax player like Giannis, the Celtics can stay under the harshest penalties while still significantly improving the roster. This financial discipline allows them to retain Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, both of whom have become essential to the team's culture and success. A balanced roster of eight high-level players is often more effective in the grueling NBA playoffs than a "Big Three" surrounded by minimum-contract veterans.Why Giannis Might Not Be the Answer
The allure of Giannis Antetokounmpo is undeniable, but the cost would be astronomical. Any trade for the "Greek Freak" would likely require Jaylen Brown, multiple starters, and every available draft pick. This would leave Jayson Tatum with a gutted supporting cast, mirroring the struggles seen by the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks in recent years. Furthermore, Giannis’s lack of consistent outside shooting could conflict with Mazzulla’s "gravity" based offense. The Celtics have built a system where every player is a threat from the perimeter. Adding a non-shooter at the five, even one as dominant as Giannis, would require a total overhaul of the offensive philosophy. In contrast, players like Kessler or Claxton understand their roles as rim runners and defensive anchors, allowing Tatum and Brown to remain the focal points of the offense.Drafting for Depth: Pick #27 and #40
While trades will dominate the headlines, the 2026 NBA Draft offers Boston a chance to add cheap, young talent. Holding the 27th and 40th picks, the Celtics could target high-upside centers like Tarris Reed or mobile wings like Alex Karaban. These players would provide insurance against injuries and serve as low-cost rotation pieces as the stars' salaries continue to climb. Brad Stevens has a history of finding value late in the draft (e.g., Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser). A rookie center could spend a year developing in the G-League before stepping into a backup role. This "draft and stash" strategy is vital for long-term sustainability under the current CBA.Conclusion
The Boston Celtics do not need a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo to return to the NBA Finals. Instead, they need a specialized upgrade at the center position that complements their existing core. Nic Claxton offers elite defensive versatility, Walker Kessler provides generational rim protection, and P.J. Washington brings the modern spacing required for a high-octane offense. By utilizing their trade exceptions and draft capital, Brad Stevens can address the team's interior weaknesses without sacrificing the depth that makes the Celtics a perennial contender. The 2026 offseason will be defined not by the biggest name acquired, but by the smartest fit found.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who is the best center fit for the Celtics? Nic Claxton is widely considered the best fit due to his ability to switch on defense and his affordable contract relative to superstars.
- Can the Celtics afford Walker Kessler? Yes, by using a combination of Sam Hauser's salary and draft picks, the Celtics could potentially facilitate a trade for Kessler.
- Why is Giannis Antetokounmpo not the primary target? The cost in terms of players (likely including Jaylen Brown) and draft picks would gut the team's depth and financial flexibility.
- What is a Traded Player Exception (TPE)? It is a credit created in a trade that allows a team to acquire a player whose salary is less than or equal to the exception amount without sending salary back.
- Will Nikola Vucevic stay with the Celtics? Vucevic is a free agent, and while he provided veteran leadership, the team is expected to look for younger, more defensive-minded options.
3 options Celtics could add to center not named 'Giannis'
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