The Boston Celtics are heading into the 2025-26 campaign with a questionable frontcourt group, potentially facing a gap year while Jayson Tatum recovers from a torn Achilles.
After trading away Kristaps Porzingis to shed salary, the club lost Luke Kornet to the San Antonio Spurs. Al Horford is also widely expected to depart in free agency, garnering league-wide interest.
With Sam Hauser, Xavier Tillman, Neemias Queta, Georges Niang and Luka Garza projected to see minutes at the four and five spots, the club could try to secure an upgrade. As currently constructed, the Celtics’ frontcourt is a clear Achilles heel, making it likely they’ll explore further moves this offseason and during the 2025-26 campaign.
Brian Robb of MassLive believes two of those frontcourt options are clear trade pieces, even if they are moved purely for salary relief.
“Tillman will be a salary dump if/when he is moved so the Celtics can probably include some extra cash for a team to take him (if Boston has other plans for his roster spot),” Robb wrote. “Beyond that, Niang should be movable if he has a productive start to the season given his reasonable salary and expiring contract.”
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Boston has made its intention to stay below the second apron clear this offseason after dealing Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. More cost-cutting maneuvers wouldn’t be surprising, especially if the team has the chance to land a roster upgrade like Ben Simmons in free agency.
Niang, acquired in the Porzingis trade with the Atlanta Hawks, doesn’t appear to factor into the team’s long-term plans. Trading him in another salary dump is certainly a viable option.
Boston still has the pieces to stay in playoff contention if it can secure frontcourt reinforcements. However, the team could opt to waive the white flag on the 2025-26 campaign and preserve expiring contracts to maximize cap flexibility next offseason.
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