The Boston Celtics have exceeded all expectations this season and are headed to the trade deadline with a serious chance of making a deep postseason run, regardless of whether Jayson Tatum returns or not. Few Celtics fans had dreams of contending in the East this season, but now many can easily convince themselves that they are one move away from being back in the NBA Finals.
If the Celtics make a significant trade at the deadline, it will almost certainly be to add depth and quality to the frontcourt, specifically at center. Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have been performing admirably, but if the Celtics are going to challenge for a title, they won't be enough against the best of the best.
Names like Ivica Zubac, Nic Claxton, Jarrett Allen, and Myles Turner have been thrown around as potential trade targets for the Celtics. While it's understandable why the Celtics would be interested in them, there are substantial challenges in trading for any of them. Not only would each of them take a significant portion of Boston's cap space, but they would also require serious draft capital. Whether any of them are actually available at the deadline is another question.
So, let's take a look at some lower-cost options that may have flown under the radar. These players won't solve the Celtics' center concerns for good, but they would be an easy upgrade over some of their options without breaking the bank.
1. Yves Missi
The second-year center is reportedly available on the market. He was drafted by the previous front office in New Orleans and has been marginalized after the arrival of Derik Queen. The 21-year-old has solid defensive chops and is a good rim protector. His offensive game is a work in progress, but he is mobile and athletic enough to give the Celtics another look on the interior.
The best part of trading for Missi is that he only makes $3.3 million this season and is under contract for two more seasons. Missi's cost-controlled nature makes him worth multiple second-round picks or a protected first-rounder for the Celtics.
2. Santi Aldama
Aldama is not a traditional center. He plays most of his minutes at power forward, but his versatility allows him to play small-ball five. Standing nearly seven feet, the Spaniard has an intriguing skill set that combines size, length, shooting, and passing.
The 25-year-old big man can't guard bigger and stronger centers, but he is the prototypical modern big Joe Mazzulla likes. He is a smart basketball player who can do a little bit of everything. He makes $18.5 million this season, which creates a salary-matching challenge, but he would be a fascinating gamble who could be a long-term piece for the Celtics.
3. Kel'el Ware
Another second-year center whose future with the team that drafted him is in question is Kel'el Ware of the Miami Heat. Many were expecting a big leap from the 21-year-old this season, but he has failed to increase his role. Head coach Erik Spoelstra has been critical of his effort at times, leading to Ware failing to close games for Miami.
If he has worn out his welcome with the Heat, Ware would be worth a flyer for the Celtics. The talented big man can shoot, score, and protect the rim. A seven-footer who can run, jump, and possesses a smooth shot is valuable in today's NBA, and Ware has the skill set to be a long-term starter. Whether the Heat would trade with the Celtics and give up one of their best young assets, however, is another question.
4. Jay Huff
Huff has been one of the best rim protectors in the league this season. No one averages more blocks per 36 minutes (3.7) than Huff so far. He has played every game for the Indiana Pacers this season, starting in 26, and is averaging 19.2 minutes per game. He has the rare combination of rim protection and shooting, something the Celtics missed this season after the departures of Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.
The 27-year-old veteran is on a minimum deal and should be easily acquirable from the 11-36 Pacers. Indiana is waiting until Tyrese Haliburton returns next season, and should have an interest in accumulating as many future assets as possible in the meantime. It's hard to imagine them turning down multiple second-round picks for Huff.