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Celtics Weigh Frontcourt Upgrade as Trade Deadline Nears, With Boucher Labeled Most Likely to Move

A tight cap sheet steers Boston toward salary relief, with an expiring $28 million deal offering a route to add size.

Overview

  • NBA insider Jake Fischer reports Boston is monitoring the big-man market and views Anfernee Simons’ expiring contract as a primary trade asset.
  • ESPN’s Bobby Marks projects Chris Boucher as the most likely Celtic to be traded, citing the team’s position roughly $12 million over the tax and potential savings of about $9 million.
  • Bobby Marks also says a Simons trade is unlikely given his sixth‑man value, noting he’s averaging 13.5 points with 40.2% three-point shooting.
  • Media outlets have floated possible frontcourt options — Nikola Vucevic, Nic Claxton, Ivica Zubac, Daniel Gafford, and a Jonathan Kuminga‑plus‑Al Horford scenario — framing them as potential targets rather than confirmed pursuits.
  • Jayson Tatum has told Chris Haynes he intends to return before the playoffs after last May’s Achilles tear, though no official timetable has been announced.