With three weeks left before the NBA trade deadline, the rumor mill has already begun working overtime. The Boston Celtics, with tradeable contracts and draft capital, remain one of the more interesting teams of the deadline. Before the season, many were assuming that the Celtics would continue to be sellers to better set themselves for the future with a healthy Jayson Tatum. Now that they have established themselves as an Eastern Conference contender, however, the Celtics are more likely to be aggressive buyers before February 5.
The widespread consensus is that the Celtics will pursue a high-level big man to add to their frontcourt rotation. Even though Neemias Queta has performed above expectations all season, the Celtics need more quality and depth in the frontcourt. The latest name to emerge as a candidate for the Celtics is All-Star big man Jaren Jackson Jr. This should excite Celtics fans, as he is as good a fit as any for the team, not only this season, but also going forward.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Is the Perfect Celtics Trade Target
NBA insider Matt Moore, aka Hardwood Paroxysm on X, revealed on Tuesday that the Celtics "would love to add" Jackson, basing it on "multiple league sources." This has come on the heels of recent reports that JJJ may be made available by the Grizzlies at the trade deadline, especially once they trade away Ja Morant. This would kickstart a full rebuild in Memphis, making Jackson the natural next player to be moved.
Boston's interest in Jackson is understandable. The 26-year-old defensive stalwart is one of the most versatile bigs in the league. He can play both power forward and center, defend multiple positions, and protect the rim. His defensive ceiling is undeniable as a previous winner of the Defensive Player of the Year.
Offensively, JJJ has been gradually improving every year. He can space the floor with his solid three-point shooting and create shots off the dribble for himself. With proper spacing around him, Jackson could be an efficient scorer who can get buckets in a variety of ways. His weaknesses remain rebounding and playmaking, but head coach Joe Mazzulla can scheme around them easily.
The 2026 trade deadline would also be the perfect time to trade for Jackson. He makes $35 million this season, making him easier to acquire with a trade package centered around Anfernee Simons and draft capital. In the 2026-27 season, Jackson's max extension kicks in, meaning he will make $49 million to start. This will obviously complicate Boston's long-term salary structure, but Jackson's perfect fit next to Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum makes it worth it for the Celtics.