Even though Boston Celtics fans were theoretically ready for the inevitable exodus in the offseason, likely no one expected this level of talent drain. In addition to Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics saw Luke Kornet sign with the San Antonio Spurs, and Al Horford reportedly explore other opportunities.
While most of these moves were needed for financial purposes, they left the Celtics extremely short-handed in the frontcourt rotation.
That is why it's hard to imagine the Celtics not making another move to address their weakness in the frontcourt, especially at center. Free agent addition Luka Garza and second-round pick Amari Williams could perhaps be decent backup options, but the Celtics need a veteran starter that they can trust.
Enter Goga Bitadze of the Orlando Magic. In one mock trade proposal, the Celtics acquire the Georgian center in exchange for Sam Hauser.
Celtics Trade Sam Hauser to Magic for Goga Bitadze in Projected Trade
Losing Hauser, the team's best three-point shooter, would certainly hurt the Celtics. However, Boston needs quality center play more desperately than they do shooting, especially with the addition of Georges Niang. Plus, this trade helps the Celtics save $1.7 million in cap space for the 2025-26 season, and gives them financial flexibility by erasing Hauser's four-year, $45 million contract from their books.
Perhaps Orlando would need to include a second-rounder or two to make it worth Boston's while, but Bitadze is certainly a player the Celtics should be interested in.
The 25-year-old center is one of the more underrated big men in the league, thanks to being a part of a crowded rotation in Orlando. He played only 20 minutes per game last season, but had 42 starts, averaging 7.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game on an impressive 63.1% True Shooting.
Bitadze is not the floor spacer that general manager Brad Stevens and head coach Joe Mazzulla want from their centers, but he is a solid rim protector and a finisher around the basket. He doesn't have many weaknesses, and that is more than one can say about the Celtics' other center options on the roster.
If Bitadze is available, the Celtics should give the Magic a call right away.