The Boston Celtics need a new starting center for next season.
I'm a big-time Neemias Queta guy, and the way he played and stepped up this past season could've brought a tear to my eye. But at the same time, he's just a solid backup on a championship-caliber team-- not someone the Celtics can trust against a Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, or, clearly, Joel Embiid in a playoff series.
Boston still has a positive outlook for next season and beyond, but if it wants to re-enter the title picture, it needs to find an upgrade at the center position. And following the Cleveland Cavaliers' conference finals loss to the New York Knicks, the perfect target may have just emerged.
The Celtics should explore an Evan Mobley trade
Stop me if you've heard this before, but with the Cavaliers losing another playoff series in disappointing fashion, they may be looking to blow it up. And given that there have been and will continue to be concerns about their Evan Mobley-Jarrett Allen big-man pairing, it would make sense for the team to look there first.
If Cleveland does go on a bit of a fire sale this summer, the Celtics need to do whatever they can to land Mobley. The California native has his concerns (inconsistent shooter, isn't aggressive or physical enough, weak rebounder for his size - career 9 RPG as a 6-foot-11 big man), but it's clear that he has the talent to compete at a high level.
Mobley won the Defensive Player of the Year award last season, largely due to his versatility, mobility, and rim protection. He is also a very good playmaker and passer for his size, is tough to stop when his shot is on, and is an efficient scorer inside the arc (he shot 62.6% on two-point field goals this past season).
The 24-year-old does have an expensive contract (he just finished the first year of his five-year, $269 million extension). However, there is a lot to like about his potential fit in Boston, especially given how badly the team needs a new center, particularly one who can defend at a high level, take some pressure off the Jays, and space the floor a little bit.
For a Celtics team looking to climb back into the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings, it's fair to assume they are in line for a busy offseason this summer. And if the Cavaliers are also looking to make some big changes, then maybe there is a deal that could work out for both sides pertaining to Mobley.
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