The Celtics' frontcourt rotation heading into the 2025-26 season is in rough shape. Right now, it's Kristaps Porzingis and Neemia Queta. With Porzingis' injury history and Queta's inexperience, the Celtics should be exploring any and all options to bring in more help.
The Celtics could be targeting a big man in the draft next week. Both ESPN and The Ringer's mock drafts have the Celtics addressing the center position with one of their two picks. However, at the 28th and 32nd overall picks, the Celtics are really looking at a rotational piece, at least short term.
Another option is to address this in free agency. The Celtics are already strapped for cash, so they would be bargain hunting. It already seems like it may be difficult to bring back both Al Horford and Luke Kornet, and the inexpensive free agent options are less than inspiring. There are a few names that the Celtics may look at if they were to be able to shed some salary. Someone like Clint Capela would certainly bring stability to the center position, but adding him in free agency would have to be step two in the Celtics' offseason plans.
It might make more sense for the Celtics to address their glaring hole at center via trade. The Utah Jazz have been brought up as trade partners with the Celtics because of the connection with Danny Ainge. If signing the Jazz' free agent center is not an option, the Celtics should still be calling Utah to see if they are willing to part with one of their big men.
Celtics Should Go All-In on Acquiring Utah's Walker Kessler
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, listed trade targets for each team this offseason and mentioned two things the Celtics should strive for, financial relief and Walker Kessler. Acquiring Kessler accomplishes both. Kessler is still on a rookie contract and can immediately step into big minutes for the Celtics.
From a basketball standpoint, Kessler fills a need for the Celtics that Porzingis doesn't. Kessler doesn't mind playing in the paint. Last year, he averaged 12.2 rebounds a game. That is nearly 50% more than the Celtics' leading rebounder last year. Since he stays in the paint, he's incredibly efficient as well. His field goal percentage hovers at 66%.
Porzingis has a more modern skill set and can stretch the floor. If partnered with Porzingis, this would wreak havoc on teams trying to find ways to cover both big men.
Financially speaking, Kessler's contract would line up with Porzingis coming off the books as well. When the Celtics go to re-sign Kessler, assuming they move off one of their large contracts, they'll have additional cap space freed up by Porzingis' free agency after next season.
Kessler solves some of the Celtics' biggest issues this offseason. It remains to be seen if Danny and Austin Ainge are willing to help their former team, but Brad Stevens and the Celtics front office should be making this priority number one heading into draft week.