Celtics Floated As Trade Destination For Elite Rim Protector

The Boston Celtics are navigating one of their most complex offseasons in years. Between Jayson Tatum‘s Achilles injury, major roster turnover, and financial restructuring, Boston finds itself in unfamiliar territory — not quite rebuilding, but clearly reloading.

With frontcourt depth quickly becoming a pressing need, one name has emerged as a potential answer: Nic Claxton.

As the Brooklyn Nets lean further into a full-scale rebuild, Claxton’s availability has started drawing league-wide attention. According to Sports Illustrated’s Jed Katz, the Celtics could potentially be among the teams monitoring Claxton’s situation as the Nets weigh their next move.

Claxton’s Trade Value Explained

Now entering his seventh NBA season, Claxton is one of the most quietly valuable bigs in the league. He’s averaged 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game over his career and is widely regarded as an elite rim protector who can guard in space.

At 26, he fits both timelines: ready to contribute now, and young enough to pair with Tatum long-term.

The Nets, who recently added five first-round picks in the 2025 draft, appear ready to flip veteran pieces for future assets. Claxton is owed $69.4 million over the next three seasons, and Brooklyn could be open to moving him for the right return.

In 2022–23, Claxton led the NBA in field goal percentage and finished 9th in Defensive Player of the Year voting. He’s the kind of player who quietly changes games — without needing touches or plays drawn up for him.

Celtics a Perfect Fit for Claxton

Several teams — including the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic — have been linked to Claxton, but the Celtics might make the most sense on paper.

With Kristaps Porzingis now in Atlanta and Al Horford looking likely to leave for the Golden State Warriors, Boston’s current center rotation includes Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman, Luka Garza, and rookie Amari Williams. It’s a patchwork unit — not what you’d expect from a title contender.

That’s where Claxton comes in.

The cleanest trade scenario involves Anfernee Simons, who was recently acquired in the Jrue Holiday deal. The money lines up, and the philosophies do too. The Nets get a young, talented scorer to build around. The Celtics add a true defensive anchor without touching their core.

The Final Word on the Celtics and Claxton

We’re officially in the dead zone of the NBA offseason. Summer League is over. Free agency has mostly dried up. The next wave of moves may not come until September training camps.

That’s what makes this window interesting — quiet on the surface, but often where the groundwork for bigger moves begins.

Claxton may have flashier destinations. The Warriors offer a ring-chasing opportunity. The Magic offer upside. But Boston offers something uniquely valuable: a stable system. A winning culture. A franchise looking to stay competitive now — and contend again when Tatum returns.

If the Celtics believe in Claxton’s ability to anchor a defense and grow with this group, they’ll make the call.

And if Brooklyn is ready to move on? The timing might be perfect for both sides.