BOSTON — Front offices drive the NBA’s rhythm, and this season’s early moves reveal urgency. Teams expected to contend now face harsh midseason truths. Several are already pivoting toward asset sales. The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers headline the market. Both sit far below expectations and now assess whether partial teardowns can salvage long-term flexibility. The Brooklyn Nets remain active as well. They want value for veterans as their rebuild accelerates. That environment places Boston directly into the center of the conversation. The Celtics sit at 15-9, hold third in the East, and unexpectedly find themselves one big away from real contention. Neemias Queta’s breakout helped stabilize the rotation, but the group still lacks proven playoff size. The current mix of Queta, Xavier Tillman, Chris Boucher, and Luka Garza works in spurts. It does not satisfy the demands of a deep postseason run. Boston knows it and has to act.
Celtics Poised To Double Down To Solve Big Problem
Myles Turner Represents Opportunity and Urgency
Milwaukee’s crisis has deepened after Giannis Antetokounmpo signaled his desire to play elsewhere. The Bucks’ season has unraveled quickly, and their 10-15 start forces difficult discussions. The team waived and stretched Damian Lillard last summer to sign Myles Turner. They must now confront the reality that Turner may deliver more value as a trade piece. His season has dipped, but his ceiling remains relevant for Boston. He averages 12.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.7 assists. The fit would fortify the interior and ease Jayson Tatum’s eventual return. Turner’s presence would reshape how Boston defend elite East offenses.
Nic Claxton Offers a Younger, More Dynamic Path
Nic Claxton evolving into a point center is one of my favorite underrated developments of the season
He’s doubled his assists from last season (2.2) to this season (4.5), while maintaining similar TOs (1.2 to 1.5)
He’s leading the Nets in APG, too pic.twitter.com/8cfLbO9ZmJ
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) December 7, 2025
Brooklyn remains realistic about its rebuilding arc. The Nets know they can move Nic Claxton without derailing progress. Claxton revived his form after two uneven years. His defensive tools never faded, but his offensive reads have flourished. He now averages 13.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He also adds 1.4 blocks and improved fluid mobility for his size. Claxton allows a scheme upgrade. He unlocks switching and short-roll playmaking that Boston rarely accesses. Adding him would raise the overall ceiling of the Celtics bigs room while preserving long-term upside.
Ivica Zubac Remains the Most Proven Win-Now Option
Zubac’s defensive impact remains elite despite slight statistical declines. He averages 15.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks. Opponents score nine fewer points per 100 possessions when he plays. He anchors a defense instantly. The Clippers sit 14th in the West and lack their own upcoming pick. They value Zubac but are open to offers involving two first-rounders according to reports. Boston can reach their threshold if it views him as the final piece.
Boston Must Decide What Comes Next
This roster still wants to compete now. Tatum’s post-surgery progress surprised the organization, and a spring return looks plausible. The East remains wide open behind the top tier. Boston understands its margin for error shrinks without a stronger interior presence. All of these three centers will be available. Salary matching remains simple with Anfernee Simons‘ expiring contract. Boston can double down and signal real ambition in a season that drifted toward a rebuild. Strengthening the frontcourt now will define how far this team goes when the games matter most.
© David Butler II-Imagn Images
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