Regardless of whether Jayson Tatum returns this season or not, the Boston Celtics will be a tough out in the postseason. They have exceeded all expectations, and in a wide-open Eastern Conference, they have every right to feel like they have a chance to go all the way.
At the same time, the Celtics desperately need more frontcourt help. Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have played better than expected, but if the Celtics are to have serious aspirations, they need more quality and depth at center.
The best way to add that quality and depth will be at next week's NBA trade deadline. With dwindling time before the deadline, the Celtics will be aggressive in trying to bolster their rotation. Their best asset to do so remains Anfernee Simons and his $27.6 million expiring salary.
For teams looking to create more cap space, that amount of expiring salary could be a godsend. The Celtics can also trade two first-round picks to acquire true difference-makers.
With that in mind, explore who the Celtics can realistically get using a package built around Simons and draft capital.
3 Best Potential Returns in an Anfernee Simons Trade
1. Onyeka Okongwu, C — Atlanta Hawks
Now that he takes and makes threes, Onyeka Okongwu is the perfect center for Joe Mazzulla. On a mediocre Hawks team, Okongwu's leap has gone unnoticed, but he has turned himself into a very impactful big man. Not only does he make two threes per game on 36.7% shooting from downtown, but Okongwu is also averaging career-highs 16.3 points and 3.3 assists per game.
Defensively, Okongwu can do a little bit of everything. He can switch onto smaller players and protect the rim while averaging 1.2 steals and a block per game. He is not the biggest or strongest center, so he sometimes struggles to defend bruising big men, but his versatility is exactly what the Celtics look for in a center.
Okongwu just turned 25 years old and might have untapped potential. He is on a team-friendly contract paying him $15 million this season and $16.1 million next season, per Spotrac. This likely means that the Celtics have to give up two first-round picks to acquire him, but he is probably worth it if he can be a long-term starting center in Boston.
2. Myles Turner, C — Milwaukee Bucks
Myles Turner is a similar player to Okongwu, except he is older and more expensive. Celtics fans are very familiar with Turner, who spent ten years with the Indiana Pacers before signing with the Bucks in the offseason. The 29-year-old big man is also a rare combination of shooting and rim protection, something the Celtics prioritize in their centers.
Yet, Turner has a few shortcomings. He is a poor rebounder, isn't the strongest defender, has struggled to play over 30 minutes per game in his career, and has previously been criticized for his lack of physicality.
The advantage of acquiring Turner is that he likely wouldn't cost much. After Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade request, the Bucks will be open to selling off. Turner signed a four-year, $109 million contract in the offseason, and Milwaukee will understandably want to offload that deal if Giannis is gone.
Since it's not a very team-friendly deal, the Celtics could acquire Turner without giving up much value other than Simons' expiring deal.
3. Nic Claxton, C — Brooklyn Nets
Nic Claxton is a slightly different type of player, although he has a similar contract to Turner's. Claxton makes $25.3 million this season, is under contract for two more seasons, and his salary declines each season.
The 26-year-old center doesn't have Turner's shooting and scoring ability, but he is a very good playmaker for his position. He can be effective as a passer and an offensive hub, similarly to how the Celtics used Al Horford for many years. Plus, he is a mobile and versatile defender who can also block a ton of shots.
The Nets are not going anywhere and are in asset accumulation mode. If they can get a protected first-round pick or multiple second-round picks, they will seriously consider moving on from Claxton. He may be a lower priority than Okongwu and Turner, but Celtics fans should be happy if they ended up with a starting center of Claxton's caliber.