As the February 5 trade deadline approaches, the Boston Celtics have long been viewed around the league as clear buyers.
ESPN’s Shams Charania has previously reported that Boston is aggressively canvassing the market in search of a “big-time starting center” capable of elevating the roster and setting the stage for a deep postseason run.
A wide range of names has surfaced in recent weeks, including Ivica Zubac, Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, Nic Claxton, and Yves Missi.
Still, it appears Brad Stevens’ approach may not be limited strictly to reinforcements in the paint.
Boston Celtics Widen Their Scope at the Deadline
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Celtics are among several teams that have checked in on Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall.
“Naji Marshall is another player being linked to Los Angeles, among other playoff contenders, but Dallas has held a high asking price of a first-round pick for the 28-year-old wing,” Siegel wrote. “Other teams that have inquired about Marshall include the Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Boston Celtics.”
Marshall is in the midst of a career-high season. Through 48 games, he is averaging 14.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.0 steal per game while shooting an efficient 53.8% from the field, though his three-point shooting sits at 30.4%.
His production spiked even further in January, climbing to 17.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. As a starter in 25 appearances, Marshall has averaged 17.8 points in 32.6 minutes per night.
The 28-year-old is in the second year of a three-year, $27 million contract, earning $9 million this season and $9.4 million in 2026-27 before reaching unrestricted free agency.
How Anfernee Simons Factors Into Boston’s Plans
Anfernee Simons’ $27.6 million expiring contract has consistently been viewed as Boston’s most straightforward trade chip, though deploying it is complicated by the team’s current financial landscape.
Any move involving Simons would likely be tied to an effort to dip back below the luxury tax, a path that could come at a cost.
Some reports have suggested the Celtics may need to attach draft capital to offload salary in such a scenario.
That said, Siegel reports that Boston is not feeling external pressure to move Simons purely for financial reasons.
“League sources say Brad Stevens and his front office are under no pressure to lessen their tax bill before the trade deadline,” he Siegel added. “Initially, the thought going into the season was that the Celtics would save extra money by flipping Anfernee Simons.”
“Simons has played exceptionally well in his sixth-man role, and the Celtics’ overall success has resulted in a change of thinking regarding how well they can perform come playoff time this season.”
Siegel added that Stevens remains focused on what Simons’ contract could potentially return in the form of a frontcourt upgrade that boosts Boston’s championship outlook, while also noting that not every deal would require Simons’ inclusion.
“Gafford, Missi, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Nic Claxton are all players the Celtics have been linked to, yet Simons would not necessarily need to be included for either Missi or Sharpe,” he said.
Firmly set in the title picture at 31-18, sitting third in the Eastern Conference and level with the New York Knicks in second, the Celtics appear well-positioned to remain aggressive.
With Jaylen Brown playing at an MVP-level and Jayson Tatum potentially returning later in the season, all signs point to Stevens continuing to actively survey the market in the days ahead.
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