5 Trades the Boston Celtics could make this Offseason

The 2024-25 season has ended in the worst possible way for the Boston Celtics. As the defending champs, most believed it was their title to lose coming into this season. That was until Boston shockingly lost both home games in the 2nd round of the playoffs to the New York Knicks.

Things then went from bad to worse for the Celtics, with their hope of repeating ending with their superstar, Jayson Tatum, tearing his Achilles in a Game 4 they were likely going to lose anyway. With Boston eliminated, all eyes are on the offseason as the team will be unable to keep the same core for another season. With that in mind, here are 10 trade ideas Boston could make this offseason.

Detroit gets an Elite Defender

Pistons receive: Jrue Holiday

Celtics receive: Tobias Harris, Marcus Sasser, 2025 2nd Round Pick (#37 via Toronto)

This would mainly be a salary dump for Boston. With the team in the 2nd apron, it will be extremely difficult to get off of Jrue Holiday's $134 million contract (with three years remaining). However, if there is a team that could use his leadership and defense, it is the Pistons. Boston would miss Holiday's defensive ability, but the return might be all they could get. With one year left on his deal, Harris could be a low-risk, high-reward player who could provide some offense off the bench or even in the starting lineup. In addition, Marcus Sasser is a solid scorer and good defender who could provide a spark off the bench.

This trade could be a great win-now move for Detroit. Trading guys like Harris and Sasser will not hurt the team that much, and you are getting an elite defender to pair with Cade Cunningham. Detroit would also be getting a player who could help mentor their young defensive star in Ausar Thompson. Detroit exceeded expectations last season, and with the Eastern Conference as wide open as ever, the Pistons might not be that far away from truly competing.

Boston gets a Sharpshooter

Nets receive: Kristaps Porziņģis

Celtics receive: Cam Johnson, Noah Clowney, 2027 1st round pick swap (BKN gets right to swap)

Finding the value of Kristaps Porziņģis is tricky. As a player, Porziņģis is among the best big men in basketball. His elite scoring ability and good rim protection can provide any team with a piece that'll help you win games. However, injuries and illnesses have prevent him from being have plagued him his entire career, which forces down his value. With that said, I do think if Brooklyn wants to go all out this offseason to improve the team, this is a good start. The Nets are not giving up too much here. Johnson has been on the trade block for multiple years now, Clowney has been underwhelming so far in his career, and they are in control of the 1st round picks that could be swapped.

For Boston, getting a sharpshooter like Cam Johnson would be a great fit in the offense they like to run. They could also try and see if they can develop a guy like Noah Clowney, who is still young and has shown flashes in his career. Overall, losing Porziņģis would hurt, but trading a guy who has barely played the past two seasons for a player like Johnson, who could be a big scheme fit, could benefit Boston long term.

Orlando finally gets Shooting

Magic receive: Derrick White

Boston receives: Wendell Carter Jr., Anthony Black, Gary Harris, 25th overall pick

This would be a huge win for Orlando in my eyes. The Magic have a great young two-man core in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who both showed they can show up in big moments. Orlando also had the 2nd best defense in all of basketball this season, allowing fewer than 100 points per game. The only real issue Orlando had last season, other than health, was shooting. They were among the worst shooting offenses in the NBA, which held them back from taking that next step. Derrick White would fit seamlessly within the Orlando duo, while also providing the shooting they so desperately need in the starting lineup. They are giving away a haul, but for a guy who is arguably one of the best, if not the best, role players in basketball, it might be worth it. To make this work financially, the Magic would have to decline the team options on Cory Joseph and Caleb Houston, but I do not think that would hurt them significantly.

For Boston, you are getting a pretty good return for a guy like White. Carter Jr. is on a great contract and would provide good two-way ability. With center depth likely to deteriorate this offseason, Carter Jr. would be a great piece that could elevate within Boston's offense. With White departing, getting a guy like Anthony Black, who is still extremely young, could end up being a great building block long term. Gary Harris is included to make the trade work financially, but the pick Boston receives could help their long-term goals of developing young talent.

Clippers make a Win-Now Move

Clippers receive: Sam Houser

Celtics receive: Kris Dunn, 51st overall pick, 2027 2nd round pick

This is not necessarily a major deal, but it is one to help Boston shed some cap space. Hauser is a great shooter; however, come playoff time, his minutes are often significantly cut or non-existent due to the talent Boston has. Even with Houser's contract being team-friendly for what he provides, it may still be too much to keep on Boston's payroll heading into next year.

For LA, Hauser could be a significant piece off their bench. He would immediately be given a bigger role within their offense, which could help him thrive even more. The Clippers have a very solid team, but their window is small. Hauser could help increase their chances within the window they have to compete, especially on a contract that is team-friendly.

Boston makes a Blockbuster

Spurs receive: Jaylen Brown

Celtics receive: Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, 2nd overall pick, 2027 1st round pick via ATL (top-8 protected)

If San Antonio fails to land Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, Brown could be a great pivot. Brown could solidify a core for the Spurs for years to come, providing elite two-way ability and leadership to a young team. With Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox already proven stars, Brown could help them elevate the team to a true championship contender in the West. Giving up the 2nd overall pick is a lot, but it is hard to predict that whoever you would have picked at number two would be as good or better than Brown right away. Brown is a Finals MVP and a proven top-20 player in this league, so giving up a haul like this might seem like a lot, but could pay off massively for the Spurs, who still also have the 14th pick in this year's draft.

For Boston, this trade would be more of a long-term solution. You would be getting a huge load off of your salary cap and officially be building around Jayson Tatum. Getting Brown off the books would also allow them to keep the rest of their core and draft a guy like Dylan Harper, who could be their point guard of the future. 2026 would serve as a developmental year for Boston, with the hopes of competing again in 2027 when Tatum returns. Harrison Barnes would be a salary match in the trade, but a guy like Devin Vassell might be a player to take a flyer on. He is still only 24 years old, and would have a prime opportunity to develop and break out with Boston in 2026 and onward.

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Until next time!

-Matt Hylen