Transactions/Rumors

Dec 23, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Dalano Banton (45) before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers during warmups at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

A familiar face is coming back to Boston, but he might not be here very long if the Celtics follow this plan to staying under the tax.

Recent Articles

Sep 29, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens talks to reporters during media day at the Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Brad Stevens traded away four players, got back a high-level offensive center, and got his team under the first apron and tax. On Friday, he explained the motivation behind it all.

Feb 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Celtics made the move for a big man that everyone expected, but he might have been a backup plan. The guy Boston wanted months ago and who seemed off the table ended up moving to a conference rival.

Nov 30, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives on Boston Celtics forward Xavier Tillman (26) and guard Jordan Walsh (27) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

The Celtics snuck one last trade in under the deadline wire, and with it their strategy for this season became more clear.

Nov 26, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Josh Minott (8) reacts after his three point basket against the Detroit Pistons in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics appear to be cleaning up the end of their bench, moving away from guys who have fallen out of the rotation. But they've upgraded one of their two-way players to fill one of the guaranteed roster spots.

Oct 15, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) knocks the ball away from Boston Celtics center Chris Boucher (99) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The Celtics have seen positives from just about every offseason move, but one stood out as not working. Rules now dictate they have to make a follow-up move, but the Celtics have given themselves flexibility to outbid the competition.

Jan 5, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons (4) during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Anfernee Simons was traded for Nikola Vucevic, and Chicago's actions after the trade made it seem like he could find a fit there. But there's a chance he might not suit up for the Bulls after all.

Nov 16, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Luka Garza (52) defends Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The Celtics are actively trying to swing trades, but it takes two to tango, and they haven't been able to find a dance partner. The rejection of one trade offer in particular points to a trade deadline that will require a lot of creativity to swing a deal

Oct 28, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defended by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Bucks are open to trading Giannis Antetokounmpo and listening to aggressive offers. The Celtics could be impacted, either directly or indirectly, depending on how the situation plays out.

Brad Stevens is notoriously secretive when it comes to these things, running a tight front office with few, if any, leaks that tip his hand. But he still has to talk to other front offices, and those front offices aren’t quite as tight-lipped.