Celtics’ Center Court Crisis: The Pursuit of Nicolas Claxton
The Boston Celtics, reigning champions of the NBA, have found themselves in unfamiliar territory during the 2025-26 season. With a current record of 9-8, they’re hovering just above .500—a far cry from the dominance they’ve displayed in recent years. The primary culprit behind this decline is obvious: the absence of superstar forward Jayson Tatum, who suffered a devastating Achilles tear during last year’s playoff run. While Tatum’s recovery has reportedly been progressing well, the team’s performance has confirmed what many predicted—this would be a challenging season for the defending champions.
Perhaps the most glaring weakness in the Celtics’ current roster is at the center position. The offseason trade of Kristaps Porzingis, necessitated by salary cap constraints, has left a significant void in Boston’s frontcourt. Without a dominant presence protecting the rim and providing interior scoring, the team has struggled to maintain the defensive identity that was instrumental in their championship run. Neemias Queta has been serviceable as a starter, but he lacks the skill set and experience to truly anchor a championship-caliber defense. This deficiency becomes even more pronounced when facing teams with elite big men, exposing a vulnerability that opponents have increasingly targeted.
As the trade deadline approaches, NBA analyst Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has identified a potential solution to Boston’s center court crisis: Brooklyn Nets’ Nicolas Claxton. The 26-year-old center has been quietly establishing himself as one of the more versatile big men in the league. This season, Claxton has been putting up impressive numbers with the Nets, averaging 14.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 56 percent from the field. What makes him particularly appealing for the Celtics is his combination of defensive prowess and offensive skill—he’s not just a rim protector but also a capable passer and finisher around the basket.
Buckley’s proposed trade package would send Anfernee Simons, a 2026 second-round pick, and a top-five protected 2027 first-round pick to Brooklyn in exchange for Claxton. “Claxton would immediately be the best interior anchor in Boston, essentially serving as a more skilled version of current starter Neemias Queta,” Buckley wrote in his analysis. The trade makes sense for both teams: Boston gets the center they desperately need, while Brooklyn receives a talented young guard in Simons along with valuable draft capital to aid their rebuilding efforts. The Celtics’ front office has shown a willingness to make bold moves when necessary, and with Tatum’s eventual return on the horizon, acquiring Claxton could position them for another deep playoff run.
The timing of such a move is crucial for the Celtics. While they’re currently treading water without Tatum, they need to remain competitive enough to secure a playoff position by the time he returns. Claxton’s addition would not only help them in the immediate future but would also provide a long-term solution at center. At 26, he fits perfectly within the timeline of Boston’s core group of Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White. His defensive versatility would allow him to seamlessly integrate into coach Joe Mazzulla’s switching schemes, while his improved passing ability would enhance the team’s ball movement—a hallmark of their championship offense.
For Boston fans, the current season may feel like a temporary setback, but the organization’s proactive approach to addressing roster weaknesses signals their commitment to sustained excellence. The potential acquisition of Nicolas Claxton represents exactly the type of shrewd, forward-thinking move that has characterized the Celtics’ front office in recent years. While the road without Tatum remains difficult, a trade for Claxton could provide the defensive backbone and frontcourt stability needed to weather this challenging period. As Tatum continues his rehabilitation and the trade deadline draws closer, all eyes will be on Boston’s pursuit of reinforcements that could help defend their championship when their superstar returns to the court.
