The Boston Celtics’ offseason has been anything but quiet. After parting ways with Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet, their biggest need is suddenly glaring: center depth. While President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens surveys the market, one name has surfaced as a logical solution—Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets.
A recent report from Brian Windhorst hinted that Boston is actively shopping newly acquired Anfernee Simons, who arrived in the deal that sent Jrue Holiday to Portland. That’s all fans needed to start firing up trade machines.
One name that makes sense for Boston to target? Nic Claxton. With Kristaps Porzingis already gone and Al Horford widely expected to retire or move on this summer, the Celtics are in urgent need of a long-term solution at center. Claxton fits the bill. At his best, he’s an elite shot-blocker with the ability to switch across multiple positions. During the 2022–23 season, he led the league in field goal percentage, finished 9th in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and averaged 3.0 blocks, 11.1 rebounds, and a slew of tough defensive assignments on a nightly basis.
Although his impact dipped last season, Claxton remains just 25 years old with intriguing upside. Surrounded by capable scorers like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, and eventually a healthy Jayson Tatum, Claxton could thrive in a simplified role. His presence would allow Tatum to operate more freely as a roaming help defender and reestablish the Celtics’ defensive identity.
Financially, a deal like this could also help Boston duck under the luxury tax threshold—they’d reportedly be only $1.3 million over the tax line after the move.Celtics Floated as Trade Destination for Defensive-Minded Big Man
Why Claxton Could Be the Answer for Boston
