Although they have played surprisingly well without star Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics could still use a major frontcourt upgrade if they hope to contend this season. With several starting-caliber big men potentially available in the trade market, Boston will have no shortage of options.
However, Boston has history with the best center trade target. Myles Turner spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Indiana Pacers, and he faced the Celtics twice in the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.
In fact, the Pacers, with Turner, eliminated the Celtics last season. Ironically, he defected from the Pacers and signed with their rivals, the Milwaukee Bucks.
However, if Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo demands to be traded, Turner likely wouldn't be far behind. He likely wouldn't demand a trade, but given that he was acquired to be paired with Giannis, keeping him in the midst of a rebuild doesn't make much sense for Milwaukee.
A controversial Celtics trade would Myles Turner to Boston
The Celtics should certainly hope that Turner hits the trade block because they have what it takes to acquire him, and he'd be a perfect fit in Boston. He's previously led the NBA in blocks per game twice and ranks as one of the best high-volume three-point-shooting big men in the league.
A recently proposed trade by Bleacher Report would send Celtics guard Anfernee Simons, as well as Josh Minott, a 2026 second-rounder (via DET, MIL, or ORL), to the Bucks for Turner.
Additionally, the Celtics would also have to ship out a 2031 first (top-3 protected) to try and sweeten the deal. That is a lot to give up, but perhaps not as much as it may initially seem.
For one, Simons, while talented, probably won't be back in Celtics green next season. Using his expiring salary to match dollars in a trade for Turner would be a perfect use of him as an asset.
Trading for Myles Turner would be medium-risk, high-reward
Boston also probably won't miss Minot or a second-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, they will miss that 2031 first. The Celtics' core probably won't all be on the team in six years, and that pick could end up being a lottery selection.
Maybe not, but giving up what appears to be a juicy first to the Bucks could keep them from having to give up another asset. After all, the teams that would be interested in Turner may not have two firsts to trade or can only trade picks that are projected to be bad.
That may work to the Celtics' advantage. Essentially, the question Boston fans should ask is, is Turner worth a future first-round pick? The answer should be yes.
He has plenty of playoff experience, including back-to-back trips to the East Finals and a trip to the NBA Finals last season, but he is still relatively young for a center at 29. His ability to protect the basket on defense and space the floor on offense would also make him a seamless on-court fit.
So much so that it could help Boston climb back into contention when Tatum inevitably returns. That makes Turner the perfect trade target, should he become available.