Free Agent/Trade/Waiver Thread, 2025-26, part 3

[brackdan70]

Need #1 as many have stated, Is rebounding. A center to back up Queta that can rebound…even a 4/5 type.
A PG is a secondary desire but not huge imo. If Simons is traded then yes we need one.
We don’t need any wings. We have 3 maybe 4 solid young guys with huge upside that 1) are probably better than anyone we realistically can trade for, and 2) should be given PT to develop. We have Hauser also. If we trade for or draft a wing I’ll be questioning Brad until that player turns into an all star.

[GoCeltics123]

I scroll on Celtics reddit in the morning and see a thread about how it's a bad idea to trade multiple picks for Zubac. A top 10 center in the league, on a top 3 contract in the league, for a team that doesn't have a ton of assets. And a contract that fits with two supermaxes.

Make it make sense

[Celts17Pride]

I scroll on Celtics reddit in the morning and see a thread about how it's a bad idea to trade multiple picks for Zubac. A top 10 center in the league, on a top 3 contract in the league, for a team that doesn't have a ton of assets. And a contract that fits with two supermaxes.

Make it make sense

Honestly in my mind, I still don't know if Brad Stevens is interested at all to adding to this team or if he is just going to run it out as it is. We will know by Feb 5th.

[GoCeltics123]

I scroll on Celtics reddit in the morning and see a thread about how it's a bad idea to trade multiple picks for Zubac. A top 10 center in the league, on a top 3 contract in the league, for a team that doesn't have a ton of assets. And a contract that fits with two supermaxes.

Make it make sense

Honestly in my mind, I still don't know if Brad Stevens is interested at all to adding to this team or if he is just going to run it out as it is. We will know by Feb 5th.

I think he'd trade for Zubac regardless but I get what you're saying. I feel like an opportunity like that you just do it, like the Pacers are trying to get him and they're tanking.

I would be shocked if Brad is still wondering if this team is going to suck in the end lol. I think they'll get under the tax regardless

[Celts17Pride]

I scroll on Celtics reddit in the morning and see a thread about how it's a bad idea to trade multiple picks for Zubac. A top 10 center in the league, on a top 3 contract in the league, for a team that doesn't have a ton of assets. And a contract that fits with two supermaxes.

Make it make sense

Honestly in my mind, I still don't know if Brad Stevens is interested at all to adding to this team or if he is just going to run it out as it is. We will know by Feb 5th.

I think he'd trade for Zubac regardless but I get what you're saying. I feel like an opportunity like that you just do it, like the Pacers are trying to get him and they're tanking.

I would be shocked if Brad is still wondering if this team is going to suck in the end lol. I think they'll get under the tax regardless

As of today, the Celtics and Brad Stevens have given no indication that they are willing to lift one finger to help this year's team. Maybe that changes?

[GoCeltics123]

Honestly in my mind, I still don't know if Brad Stevens is interested at all to adding to this team or if he is just going to run it out as it is. We will know by Feb 5th.

I think he'd trade for Zubac regardless but I get what you're saying. I feel like an opportunity like that you just do it, like the Pacers are trying to get him and they're tanking.

I would be shocked if Brad is still wondering if this team is going to suck in the end lol. I think they'll get under the tax regardless

As of today, the Celtics and Brad Stevens have given no indication that they are willing to lift one finger to help this year's team. Maybe that changes?

It's legit weird that we haven't heard one rumor about the Celtics at all. Feels like everyone else has one but us.

Like you said, Brad seems fully in wait-and-see mode

[shi-woo]

I scroll on Celtics reddit in the morning and see a thread about how it's a bad idea to trade multiple picks for Zubac. A top 10 center in the league, on a top 3 contract in the league, for a team that doesn't have a ton of assets. And a contract that fits with two supermaxes.

Make it make sense

Because he's making 10x more than a player we already have on roster, but isn't 10x the player.

He's certainly better than Queta, but idk about 2 FRP better. Likewise, I think you are confusing his contract with his last one which was like 3/30 which was a steal of a contract. He makes around 20 mil, which is in line with starter center money like Poeltl, IHart who was overpaid, Naz Reid, Onyeka, Allen ect.

Poelltl is a similar player and he was traded for a protected FRP and 2 SRP

Jarrett Allen is again similar level, and he was literally given away. That trade is so confusing, but if I recall HOU redirected him for an additional FRP

Big Al was salary dumped by Philly and then traded to us for the 16th pick

Porzingus was considered negative value when traded to us, we received 2 FRP for trading just Smart to MEM. Again he was traded from us for essentially negative/no value.

Gafford was traded for one FRP and thats it

The only trades for a Center recently that involved the kind of cash Celtic fans are throwing around, was the Bulls trading for Vuc, and the Suns trading for Mark Williams. Both considered the worst run teams of their respective conferences, and one the worst run team since MJ retired...

I know Zubac is good, but I don't think he's 2 picks and players good especially when we could get Gafford for half the price of that.

We already have a center who is giving us solid minutes, and we realistically just need someone to give us 20 more a night. Ideally you would want Zu and to reverse those rolls, but I understand why a lot of fans are uncomfortable with some of those trade packages. I personally would much rather use our capital on a player who's skillset is something we need/dont have on roster, not just a better version of a player we already have locked up.

I would prefer a floor spacer big man, or someone to lead the bench unit that is a two way player. I would be happy with any trade though that gets Hauser or Simons off this team for the record.

But those who don't like those trade ideas, I think that's where their head is at. Precedence already set for centers, and belief in Queta as a starter level/24 mpg level center already under contract.

[playa-hater]

Zubac is good. But my simply philosophy is you never trade 2 first rd picks unless that player puts you right at or over the top. Zubac does not do that in my eyes. Zubac will make us more competitive for sure. But I would much rather get a good young talent at 5-16 in this draft and have a good player at a cheaper contract for the next 7years + another shot at a good young talent in the future draft for the same reasons.

And If that holds true that Boston drafts a good one. But what if it turns out to be a great one instead?? ***yes*** I know he can be a bust a well. But at some point getting young talent (Bigman?) should be a Priority.

[threrf23]

Zubac has been pretty consistent & pretty durable over the course of his career, nothing wrong with overpaying a little for a good fit & a sure fit & a guy used to playing alongside multiple elite wings.

I think he is worth more than guys like Poeltl (is a better player) and Gafford (less reliable & less upside) and Jarrett Allen (maybe not but he hasn't been impressive of late). I would also kind of hate to give up any '26 picks. Too many guys I like in the draft, plus guys I have yet to discover, and with Walsh & Hugo hitting you just know that Brad will approach draft prep with a renewed vigor.

[165bows]

Zubac has been pretty consistent & pretty durable over the course of his career, nothing wrong with overpaying a little for a good fit & a sure fit & a guy used to playing alongside multiple elite wings.

I think he is worth more than guys like Poeltl (is a better player) and Gafford (less reliable & less upside) and Jarrett Allen (maybe not but he hasn't been impressive of late). I would also kind of hate to give up any '26 picks. Too many guys I like in the draft, plus guys I have yet to discover, and with Walsh & Hugo hitting you just know that Brad will approach draft prep with a renewed vigor.

Yeah I'm not going to pretend I stay up to watch a lot of Clippers games but imo people are sleeping on what Zubac has been doing. Consider the following -

he's top 5 in total rebounds in the league since the start of last year
he's 7th among *all* active players in eFG%
he's been in the top 10 in 2PT FGs made per 36 minutes since the start of last year
he was 2nd team all defense last year
has an excellent contract and is prime aged
he's 5th in career offensive win shares among all active players

I think people are under estimating how this guy would kill it here and I would give up a ton to get him. 2 first round picks, Baylor and Hugo, maybe Hauser as well.

PP/White/Brown/Tatum/Zubac gets you a title shot potential for three years you cash in what you need to cash in to make that happen.

[GoCeltics123]

For those talking about Zu's contract vs. Queta's.

The Celtics are going to have to pay Queta soon. Zu's contract will be better than his because Zu's contract is one of the best in the league.

It's really that simple. Stop overthinking it. We have two supermax guys and it's hard to find a decent center at a low salary

[playa-hater]

Zubac has been pretty consistent & pretty durable over the course of his career, nothing wrong with overpaying a little for a good fit & a sure fit & a guy used to playing alongside multiple elite wings.

I think he is worth more than guys like Poeltl (is a better player) and Gafford (less reliable & less upside) and Jarrett Allen (maybe not but he hasn't been impressive of late). I would also kind of hate to give up any '26 picks. Too many guys I like in the draft, plus guys I have yet to discover, and with Walsh & Hugo hitting you just know that Brad will approach draft prep with a renewed vigor.

Yeah I'm not going to pretend I stay up to watch a lot of Clippers games but imo people are sleeping on what Zubac has been doing. Consider the following -

he's top 5 in total rebounds in the league since the start of last year
he's 7th among *all* active players in eFG%
he's been in the top 10 in 2PT FGs made per 36 minutes since the start of last year
he was 2nd team all defense last year
has an excellent contract and is prime aged
he's 5th in career offensive win shares among all active players

I think people are under estimating how this guy would kill it here and I would give up a ton to get him. 2 first round picks, Baylor and Hugo, maybe Hauser as well.

PP/White/Brown/Tatum/Zubac gets you a title shot potential for three years you cash in what you need to cash in to make that happen.

everything you say may be true. But the big difference in our opinions are simply you believe Zubac can/will put us at/over the top, while I feel it would put us a slight notch below. It would be a gamble for sure and only time will/would tell which is/was the right decision.

[playa-hater]

For those talking about Zu's contract vs. Queta's.

The Celtics are going to have to pay Queta soon. Zu's contract will be better than his because Zu's contract is one of the best in the league.

It's really that simple. Stop overthinking it. We have two supermax guys and it's hard to find a decent center at a low salary

still feel like Queta doesn't he his due amongst the league. wouldn't surprise me if he gets a Kornet like contract.

[Hal14]

For those talking about Zu's contract vs. Queta's.

The Celtics are going to have to pay Queta soon. Zu's contract will be better than his because Zu's contract is one of the best in the league.

It's really that simple. Stop overthinking it. We have two supermax guys and it's hard to find a decent center at a low salary

But we already have a decent center at a low salary - Queta. So why give up multiple 1st round picks for another one?

Queta has this season and next season on a dirt cheap $2.6mil salary. It's not until the 27-28 season that he will need a new contract. And chances are, when he does get that next contract, it will be for significantly less than what Zubac is making now.

[GoCeltics123]

For those talking about Zu's contract vs. Queta's.

The Celtics are going to have to pay Queta soon. Zu's contract will be better than his because Zu's contract is one of the best in the league.

It's really that simple. Stop overthinking it. We have two supermax guys and it's hard to find a decent center at a low salary

But we already have a decent center at a low salary - Queta. So why give up multiple 1st round picks for another one?

Queta has this season and next season on a dirt cheap $2.6mil salary. It's not until the 27-28 season that he will need a new contract. And chances are, when he does get that next contract, it will be for significantly less than what Zubac is making now.

If he's a starter, he'll get more than what Zu is currently making imo.

Also, NOW is the window to add another center to Queta, especially one that is 1. A difference maker and 2. Is on a great contract, regardless of how it's viewed.

I've stated my piece, you all are totally free to disagree and that's fine, but the Celtics are not really asset-rich and imo Zubac is just one of those moves you have to do, considering circumstances.

I mean seriously, do you really want the Pacers to get this guy AND add a top 5-10 pick from this draft?

[165bows]

Zubac has been pretty consistent & pretty durable over the course of his career, nothing wrong with overpaying a little for a good fit & a sure fit & a guy used to playing alongside multiple elite wings.

I think he is worth more than guys like Poeltl (is a better player) and Gafford (less reliable & less upside) and Jarrett Allen (maybe not but he hasn't been impressive of late). I would also kind of hate to give up any '26 picks. Too many guys I like in the draft, plus guys I have yet to discover, and with Walsh & Hugo hitting you just know that Brad will approach draft prep with a renewed vigor.

Yeah I'm not going to pretend I stay up to watch a lot of Clippers games but imo people are sleeping on what Zubac has been doing. Consider the following -

he's top 5 in total rebounds in the league since the start of last year
he's 7th among *all* active players in eFG%
he's been in the top 10 in 2PT FGs made per 36 minutes since the start of last year
he was 2nd team all defense last year
has an excellent contract and is prime aged
he's 5th in career offensive win shares among all active players

I think people are under estimating how this guy would kill it here and I would give up a ton to get him. 2 first round picks, Baylor and Hugo, maybe Hauser as well.

PP/White/Brown/Tatum/Zubac gets you a title shot potential for three years you cash in what you need to cash in to make that happen.

everything you say may be true. But the big difference in our opinions are simply you believe Zubac can/will put us at/over the top, while I feel it would put us a slight notch below. It would be a gamble for sure and only time will/would tell which is/was the right decision.

Imo it gives them the shot. I mean, does it put them *over* the top? Tough to say. But they also can't punt the three years after this they have to be in title contention and we don't know for sure Okc isn't going to go 73-9 and then get a top 3 pick this year so what are they going to do.

[MSTRJMES]

Hauser, Boucher and Tillman to the Lakers for Vanderbilt and Knecht works…then
Simons & picks to the Clippers for Zubac & Jones.

[Parasite]

You have to try and get Zubac because his age timeline fits perfect with Tatum and Brown, he has an absolute steal of a contract and the East is wide open for the taking.

[BillessuR6]

Last thing we need to do is trade multiple 1st rounders for role players. In this CBA picks are extremely important. Sure, Zubac is a good player but its not like we are a move away from contending.

We need to draft well, keep developing young guys and maybe next year at trade deadline with healthy JT see where we are at.

This year the goal should be getting out of tax if possible. And without giving up significant assets to do it.

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[Larry_Russell]

I think we deserve trey murphy and zubac at the cost of hauser simons and scheierman