With the Boston Celtics surprisingly third in the Eastern Conference, that seemingly increases the potential that they make a big mid-season trade to improve their playoff chances. They have performed surprisingly well in the absence of star Jayson Tatum but still could use more help and should definitely be in the market for a starting center.
They wouldn't have to look far with their rivals, the Milwaukee Bucks, potentially going into a rebuild if star Giannis Antetokounmpo demands a trade. If that happens, then Bucks center Myles Turner could become available.
He'd be a perfect trade target for the Celtics considering he is a prolific shot blocker and an accurate, high-volume 3-point shooter. He is also under contract for the next three seasons, ensuring that he would be with the Celtics for the foreseeable future if they acquire him.
Although he is making $27 million annually, he would provide Boston with a significant upgrade at center, and the Celtics have the assets to acquire him, although it will cost them.
The perfect Celtics trade target is Myles Turner
Bleacher Report recently proposed a trade that would send Celtics guard Anfernee Simons, as well as Josh Minott, a 2026 second-rounder (via DET, MIL, or ORL), and a 2031 first (top-3 protected) to the Bucks for Turner. That sounds like a lot, but it's essentially matching salary, a second, and what could be a pretty good first for the Bucks.
Milwaukee might try to hold out for more or shop Turner around the NBA, but teams are reportedly wary of trading multiple firsts. The Celtics could benefit from that by offering a distant first that may actually become valuable.
Remember, Turner is 29, Tatum is 27 and coming off an Achilles tear, and Jaylen Brown is 29. In six years, there's no telling how good they'll be or if they will even be playing in Boston.
Trading for Myles Turner is a reasonable gamble for the Celtics
The Bucks could also possibly flip Simons again ahead of the trade deadline to a team in need of a sharpshooting guard. Even if they don't, then they could let him leave in free agency and save more than $80 million considering what Turner is set to make after this season.
The move obviously makes sense for the Celtics for the aforementioned reasons, especially if Tatum returns this season, but it may make sense to the Bucks too. That is still dependent on what Giannis does.
If he demands to be traded, then Turner could also be moved, and Boston should be very interested if he becomes available.