2 Big Names Surface As Celtics Go Big-Game Hunting for Center

The Boston Celtics are shocking everyone in the Eastern Conference, sitting in the 2-seed at 28-16 despite being without Jayson Tatum for the entire season, and shedding championship pieces like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis before the season started.

Now that they're actually in the mix, and Tatum is talking about returning before the playoffs, the C's are serious about upgrading.

NBA insider Shams Charania reported on the Celtics' potential deadline plans on the Pat McAfee Show.

"Jaylen Brown has to be in the MVP conversation for what he's done with this Celtics team..

Boston could be a team looking to make a move before the trade deadline" ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/3Brhpavexf
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 23, 2026

"They've been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially. They're going to be aggressive in moving the needle. They've got assets. They've got contracts to play with."

Anfernee Simons is one who could be used as a tradeable piece. He's on an expiring $27.7 million contract.

Celtics linked to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ivica Zubac

Two big men the Celtics have been linked to are Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies and Ivica Zubac of the LA Clippers.

"There is no team I've heard with more interest for Jackson," wrote insider Matt Moore earlier this month.

JJJ was the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23, and a three-time All-NBA Defensive Team member. He's averaging 18.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.7 three-pointers made and 1.5 blocks per game this season.

Zubac is averaging a double-double once again this season at 14.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

"However, the Clippers are red hot, winning 14 of their past 17 games, so it is difficult to envision them parting with one of their best players," writes Mike Chiari of Bleacher Report.

The Celtics will have a tough time prying either of those big men loose.