Assuming We Keep Simons, What Centers/Backup Centers Are Realistic?

[Phantom255x]

Simons has played a lot better in the past month and even he's admitted it was an adjustment but he's getting used to everything here and it's starting to show. The defense is still iffy, but no denying off the bench he's a microwave scorer. And I could see Stevens keeping him and re-signing him beyond this season at a more reasonable deal (around 15-18M AAV).

In that scenario, knowing JT is coming back in all likelihood in March, what big man options exist at the deadline? I initially thought they'd trade Simons away and get back a big man as part of the trade, but if Simons stays what is realistic? Do they just rely on the buyout market? Day'Ron Sharpe appeals to me personally.

Luka Garza to his credit has also been great the last two weeks but overall, I'd feel much better with him as the 3rd big and am not sure if he can sustain this as the primary backup big. If you can add another center to pair with Queta, and Garza is the 3rd big while Tatum returns and can play some PF, I feel so much better about making a run in this East this Spring.

[Vermont Green]

If my numbers are right, BOS is currently about $5M over the first apron and about $7M under the second apron.  If you assume that staying between the first and second aprons is the goal, or is acceptable, then that would set a limit of about $6M-$7M for adding a player to the current roster (with keeping Simons).

BOS has the Porzingis TPE ($22.5M) plus Holiday TPE for $4.7M.  So they have options if they want to use them.  They could trade the 2026 first and bring back a player using these available TPE.  That is what I would see as the most likely avenue, but that amount of money does not buy all that much these days.  It would have to be a rookie contract or something like that.  I don't know if you can get a starting level big for that.

[Roy H.]

If my numbers are right, BOS is currently about $5M over the first apron and about $7M under the second apron.  If you assume that staying between the first and second aprons is the goal, or is acceptable, then that would set a limit of about $6M-$7M for adding a player to the current roster (with keeping Simons).

BOS has the Porzingis TPE ($22.5M) plus Holiday TPE for $4.7M.  So they have options if they want to use them.  They could trade the 2026 first and bring back a player using these available TPE.  That is what I would see as the most likely avenue, but that amount of money does not buy all that much these days.  It would have to be a rookie contract or something like that.  I don't know if you can get a starting level big for that.

Let's assume that we can trade Tilman and Boucher, and sign a guy for around $500k in the buyout market.  That gives us an additional $4 million or so?

Tilman + Boucher + #2 for Brook Lopez?

[slamtheking]

the team's most valuable asset to bring in a good big man is Simons.  if he's off the table, the only assets the team has that would interest another team is their first round picks which I'm loathe to trade since we do not have any extra first rounders to be used in trades. 

if they keep Simons, even with Tatum coming back they won't have enough to really contend.  Simons has become a nice scorer off the bench but adding Tatum later this year will replace that scoring.  The team needs another rotation-quality big to provide minutes when Q is on the bench and can rebound/defend which is Garza's weakness.  Garza has been solid on the offensive end but he's not good enough as a defender/rebounder as we need.

[Celtics2021]

The player I would like to try to shake loose is Yves Missi from New Orleans, ideally something like Scheierman and giving the Pelicans back their 2nd rounder that we have this year.  Missi is blocked long-term with both Derrick Queen and Zion ahead of him.  He makes only about $700k more than Scheierman this year and next, so should be affordable, and would be another Queta-like center to fill out the rotation, with Garza as an option if we need someone more offensive-minded.  Minott might add some value to the deal as well for New Orleans, and would create a net reduction to the Celtics payroll even after signing someone else to the minimum for the rest of the season.

[Neurotic Guy]

Brook Lopez would be a reasonable get.  Old and declining but can still shoot the three, can play smart, and has great size at 7'1".   It isn't the center quality everyone was hoping for a few months ago, but that was before we realized that Q is productive and consistent, and now Garza has shown some value.  And... most importantly, Simons is showing what he can do for this team.  Seems that everyone is jumping aboard the Simons train.  He's earned it.  He may not be the best defensive guard in the league but he's better than advertised and he gives effort, stays alert, and he's alert on the boards as well.  And he can turn a game around with his shot and scoring ability.  Whoever said (another thread) that we will have five players who legitimately can create their own shots once JT is back, hit the nail on the head.  That is impressive.  Simons, Walsh, Hauser, Hugo, Garza - that is a really nice crew off the bench.  Minott too if he ever gets the opportunity, and I'm OK on Baylor as well.  But can't avoid the reality that a solid big (Q quality or better) for 20mpg is going to be important in some matchups. 

Can't wait for rumors about JTs return and about trade possibilities.  I guess I lean to hoping they keep Simons, but depends who can be had for him.

[Roy H.]

How far could this team make it?

Queta / Lopez
Tatum / Garza / Minott
Brown / Hauser
White / Walsh / Gonzalez / Scheierman
Pritchard / Simons

Ideally I'd prefer a big man be signed, but worst care scenario we elevate Ron Harper. 

[slamtheking]

How far could this team make it?

Queta / Lopez
Tatum / Garza / Minott
Brown / Hauser
White / Walsh / Gonzalez / Scheierman
Pritchard / Simons

Ideally I'd prefer a big man be signed, but worst care scenario we elevate Ron Harper.

who'd you give up to get Lopez?  Only ones I'm not seeing here are Boucher and Tillman.  I'd be thrilled to move them for Lopez but doubt that'll get it done

[Birdman]

A buyout candidate is probably our best option unless Garza continues to play well

[Phantom255x]

Keith Smith on a Celticsblog Q&A suggested these names for big man depth assuming they hold on to Simons, and none of these would put us over the second apron again either:

If you want frontcourt depth, the Celtics should have the ability to add someone without having to give up too much. Players like Nick Richards, Jalen Smith, Marvin Bagley III, and Drew Eubanks are all acquirable players without tripping back over the second apron. At the beginning of the season, adding a starter-level center would have been a goal, but Neemias Queta has more than held up as a starter. Could the Celtics upgrade over Queta? Sure. Do they desperate need to? Nope.

https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/128485/boston-celtics-cap-qa-with-former-celticsblogger-and-spotracs-keith-smith

Marvin Bagley III and Jalen Smith intrigue me

[Roy H.]

How far could this team make it?

Queta / Lopez
Tatum / Garza / Minott
Brown / Hauser
White / Walsh / Gonzalez / Scheierman
Pritchard / Simons

Ideally I'd prefer a big man be signed, but worst care scenario we elevate Ron Harper.

who'd you give up to get Lopez?  Only ones I'm not seeing here are Boucher and Tillman.  I'd be thrilled to move them for Lopez but doubt that'll get it done

Those two would go out (probably to third party teams) and LAC would get a #2 while cutting salary this year and next.

EDIT:  Ha, AI cites:

Brook Lopez trade rumors have centered on his move from the Bucks to the Clippers in the 2025 offseason, with recent speculation (late 2025/early 2026) suggesting the struggling Clippers might trade him due to cap issues and his poor performance, linking him to teams like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, despite his struggles to adapt to LA's system after his big contract.

[keevsnick]

The guy that continues to make the most sense is Day'ron Sharpe.

Send them The NOP second round pick (projected 31-35) and Tillman (to balance rosters). Absorb Sharpe into TPE. C's stay under second apron and he's under contract for next year at reasonable 6.25 million.

[Vermont Green]

Lopez makes $8.75M with a team option next season for $9.2M.  I guess it works if we send out Tillman and Boucher as has been suggested (works meaning BOS stays under the second apron).  But BOS would probably need to sign at least one more player to get the roster back to 14.

Lopez has been pretty pedestrian this season.  He may end up being the 3rd big behind Queta and Garza, but that is still better than Tillman and Boucher, I guess.  Not sure this moves the needle enough for me.  Taking on the salary + taxes, while giving up a 2nd round pick, I would hope for a little more impact than what Lopez will likely provide.

[satch]

Food for thought-Keep the current top eight players intact. Trade a star player for several number one picks. Something akin to the Pierce/Garnett trade that Ainge pulled off. Solves the money issues and keeps a contender.

[Roy H.]

Food for thought-Keep the current top eight players intact. Trade a star player for several number one picks. Something akin to the Pierce/Garnett trade that Ainge pulled off. Solves the money issues and keeps a contender.

So, dump Tatum?