With the NBA trade deadline approaching, front offices across the league are diving deep into their rosters, searching for ways to strike the right deal. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement has added layers of complexity to trade negotiations.
However, for savvy executives willing to get creative, the opportunity to shake things up is still very much alive. The defending champion Boston Celtics still boasts one of the most talented rosters in the NBA, but they haven’t displayed the same dominance that defined last season’s title run.
While they remain a top contender in the East, inconsistencies have crept in, raising questions about whether this group has the depth and durability to repeat. Here’s an in-depth look at their current trade deadline situation.
Boston Celtics draft picks
The Boston Celtics control their own first-round picks from 2025 to 2027 and hold a top-1 protected first-rounder from the San Antonio Spurs in 2028. However, in 2029, their first-round selection belongs to the Portland Trail Blazers. On the second-round front, Boston has at least five tradable picks, giving them some flexibility in negotiations.
Boston Celtics salary situation
The Celtics are $7.6 million over the second apron, significantly restricting their trade options under the new CBA. Last year, they sent Dalano Banton and cash considerations in a move that generated a trade exception—a maneuver that is now prohibited for second-apron teams. That means Boston has no financial wiggle room to send cash in deals, making any move even more complex.
Players to watch for the Celtics
Jaden Springer is in the final season of a four-year, $10 million contract and will enter restricted free agency this summer. With just $4 million remaining on his deal, he's an attractive salary-matching piece in potential trades, especially if Boston pairs him with draft capital. Given his limited role, it’s clear the Celtics could look to move him for immediate playoff contributors.
What’s the move for the Celtics?
Boston sits in second place in the East but has stumbled, going 13-11 in their last 24 games, including five straight home losses. It’s far from panic mode, but one glaring issue has emerged: depth on the wing.
Expect Brad Stevens to explore deals for a low-cost, reliable playoff rotation piece. Targets like Julian Champagnie (San Antonio Spurs) or Jake LaRavia (Memphis Grizzlies) fit within their salary structure and could provide key minutes in the postseason.
No team has won back-to-back titles in seven years, and with the parity in today’s NBA, repeating as champions is a monumental challenge. The Celtics are built to contend, but Stevens may have to get creative at the deadline to solidify Boston’s depth and keep their title defense on track.