As the 2024–25 NBA offseason heats up, all eyes are on Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens. Fresh off another deep playoff run, the Celtics are once again a championship-caliber team — but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. In fact, as Brian Robb of MassLive recently highlighted, Stevens has a golden opportunity to make a bold maneuver that could elevate Boston from contenders to clear-cut favorites next season.
The Celtics’ Current State: Close, But Not Quite Perfect
Boston’s roster is loaded with talent. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown form arguably the best two-way wing duo in the league. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White bring elite perimeter defense and experience. Kristaps Porziņģis has provided much-needed size and spacing. And Al Horford continues to defy age with dependable veteran leadership.
But as Robb notes, there’s still one major area where the Celtics could improve: frontcourt depth and size. With Horford turning 38 and Porziņģis prone to injury, Boston’s big man rotation remains a fragile piece of an otherwise dominant puzzle. Stevens’ bold move? Swing for another impactful big man who can provide insurance and possibly even start in high-leverage games.
The Bold Move: Targeting a Proven Frontcourt Star
According to Brian Robb, the Celtics should seriously explore trading for a starting-caliber big who can either back up or play alongside Porziņģis. Names such as John Collins, Isaiah Hartenstein, or even a surprise candidate like Jarrett Allen have circulated in speculation. While such a move would require salary cap gymnastics and likely cost key assets, the upside is significant.
A trade for a younger, durable big man could:
- Protect the team against Porziņģis’ injury risk
- Reduce Horford’s minutes in the regular season to keep him fresh for the playoffs
- Add physicality and rebounding — an area where Boston has occasionally struggled
This kind of acquisition could also unlock lineup versatility, allowing Joe Mazzulla to match up more effectively with physically imposing teams like the Nuggets or Bucks.
Salary Cap Considerations
The Celtics are already pushing the upper limits of the luxury tax, but Stevens has shown a willingness to spend when the championship window is wide open. The new CBA’s second apron restrictions make adding high-salary players complicated, but not impossible. Smart maneuvering, such as trading depth pieces or expiring contracts (e.g., Payton Pritchard or Sam Hauser in a package), could open enough flexibility to make the move.
This kind of bold approach mirrors Stevens’ track record. Since taking over as President of Basketball Operations, he has executed some daring trades, including moving Kemba Walker, acquiring Al Horford (again), and landing both Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday in recent blockbuster deals. He’s shown no fear in shaking things up when the opportunity is right.
Why Now is the Time
Championship windows in the NBA are fleeting. The Celtics are uniquely positioned with a young superstar in Tatum, an elite co-star in Brown, and a deep supporting cast. But with the Eastern Conference strengthening — the Bucks, Sixers, and Knicks are all threats — standing pat may not be enough.
By making a bold move now, Stevens can cement Boston’s status as the team to beat, both in the East and the entire NBA. Adding a rugged, starting-quality big man would send a clear message: Boston is all-in.
Conclusion: Boldness Is a Celtics Tradition
The Celtics have always been a franchise defined by bold moves — from trading for Kevin Garnett in 2007 to swinging a surprise deal for Ray Allen. Brad Stevens continuing that tradition this offseason by following Brian Robb’s advice would not only address a key roster vulnerability but could also bring Boston one step closer to raising Banner 18.
Whether it’s via trade or aggressive free-agent pursuit, Stevens should once again push his chips to the center of the table. Because if history has taught Celtics fans anything, it’s that championships aren’t won by playing it safe.