The Boston Celtics are in a retooling effort driven by Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles and looming financial constraints.
Boston has made several moves to shed salary and avoid harsh second-apron penalties this offseason. In June, the team traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, acquiring Georges Niang and Anfernee Simons in return. Niang was eventually traded to the Utah Jazz in another salary dump, and the Celtics have reportedly been shopping Simons.
With Luke Kornet departing and Al Horford not expected to return, the Celtics are looking relatively thin in the frontcourt. They signed Luka Garza to a two-year, $5.5 million deal and added Chris Boucher on a veteran-minimum contract. Even so, they could rely on internal growth in the frontcourt — particularly at center.
MORE: Celtics ranked among NBA’s ‘boldest’ offseason moves after Jayson Tatum injury
Celtics ‘unlikely’ to bolster frontcourt via trade
The Celtics are reportedly eager to watch the development of Neemias Queta following their roster retooling, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
“The idea of the Celtics trading for frontcourt depth before the season is unlikely, as the organization is excited to see the growth of Neemias Queta,” he wrote.
Queta has yet to hold down a substantial role over a long stretch but has shown some flashes of promise. Over six starts in the 2024-25 campaign, he averaged 9.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while shooting 58.1 percent from the field across 24.5 minutes per game during that short sample size.
The 7-footer is under contract through the 2026-27 campaign and could serve as a bridge to the next era of a contending Celtics team, as the club is facing a gap year with Tatum expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign.
Expectations aren’t particularly high for Boston in 2025-26, making it a natural opportunity to give Queta an expanded role for the time being. Either way, the Celtics should get a more clear picture of their frontcourt outlook heading into 2026-27.
MORE NBA NEWS:
