The Boston Celtics entered the 2024-25 season with championship aspirations, fresh off their record-setting 18th NBA title. They posted an impressive 61-21 regular-season record, securing the top spot in the Atlantic Division and second in the Eastern Conference. However, their playoff run was cut short in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they fell to the New York Knicks in six games.
A significant blow came with Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, sidelining him for a handful of months at least. This development, coupled with looming luxury tax penalties, has prompted the Celtics to consider reshaping their roster. Reports suggest that even key players like Jrue Holiday might be on the trading block as the team navigates financial constraints. The same can be said for Kristaps Porzingis, a player who once again struggled with injuries.
As the Celtics approach the 2025 offseason, they face the challenge of remaining an elite NBA title-contender while balancing the salary cap situation. As a result, we’ll explore three realistic and three unrealistic offseason targets for the Celtics, and there are a handful of big names that could be coming in.
Realistic Targets
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, 2025 No. 28 Overall Pick, 2025 No. 32 Overall Pick
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential departure from Milwaukee has become one of the offseason’s most intriguing storylines. Despite another stellar season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, the Bucks suffered their third consecutive first-round playoff exit.
Giannis has expressed openness to exploring new opportunities, raising speculation about his future. A trade sending Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, and two draft picks to Milwaukee could entice the Bucks to part with their franchise cornerstone. For Boston, acquiring Giannis would pair Tatum with a two-time MVP, creating a formidable duo poised for championship contention, especially since Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis won’t need to be moved yet.
2. Rui Hachimura
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Rui Hachimura
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, 2025 No. 28 Overall Pick
Rui Hachimura has emerged as a reliable contributor for the Lakers, averaging 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 50.9% from the field. His versatility as a forward who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions makes him an attractive target for Boston. After all, Rui could be one of the five Lakers players who leave after the team suffered a disappointing playoff exit.
A trade involving Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and a draft pick could provide the Celtics with a valuable rotation piece, enhancing their frontcourt depth and scoring options. Hachimura’s skill set complements Boston’s existing roster, offering both immediate impact and long-term potential as he covers for Tatum as he nurses an Achilles injury.
3. Marcus Smart
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Marcus Smart, Richaun Holmes
Washington Wizards Receive: Jrue Holiday
A reunion with Marcus Smart could bolster Boston’s defensive identity and leadership. During the 2024-25 season with the Wizards, Smart averaged 9.0 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game. His familiarity with the Celtics’ system and culture would facilitate a seamless transition.
A trade sending Jrue Holiday to Washington could bring back the former Defensive Player of the Year. Smart’s tenacity and experience would be invaluable assets as Boston aims for another deep playoff run, and the addition of the athletic Richaun Holmes (7.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG) is nothing but an added extra.
Unrealistic Targets
1. Kevin Durant
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jaylen Brown, Baylor Scheierman, 2025 No. 28 Overall Pick, 2025 No. 32 Overall Pick
Kevin Durant remains one of the league’s elite scorers, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in the 2024-25 season. The former NBA champion and MVP is almost certainly being traded this season, and he would be perfect on a title-contending team with stars and role players available. However, acquiring Durant would require a substantial trade package, likely including Jaylen Brown and multiple draft picks.
Given Durant’s age (37 in September) and injury history, such a move carries too much risk. Additionally, the Suns may be reluctant to part with Durant unless it nets them a package with stronger draft assets or younger players, and there will likely be some better destinations for the player himself. While Durant’s talent is undeniable, the feasibility of this trade remains low at this moment.
2. Bradley Beal
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Bradley Beal, Cody Martin, 2025 No. 29 Overall Pick
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis
Bradley Beal’s tenure with the Suns has been marked by inconsistency and injuries. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Acquiring Beal would necessitate moving key contributors like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, potentially disrupting team chemistry and not getting much back in return.
Furthermore, Beal’s substantial contract ($53,666,270 next season with a $57,128,610 player option in 2026-27) and no-trade clause complicate any potential deal. Considering these factors, a trade for Beal appears unlikely and fraught with challenges, because the guard doesn’t seem interested in leaving Phoenix right now.
3. Bogdan Bogdanovic
Proposed Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Derrick Jones Jr.
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Kristaps Porzingis, 2025 No. 32 Overall Pick
Bogdan Bogdanovic offers scoring and playmaking off the bench, averaging 10.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. However, acquiring him from the Clippers would require parting with Kristaps Porzingis. While the big man has struggled with health, the Clippers are getting the best player in the deal.
Given Boston’s depth and the emergence of younger players, investing in Bogdanovic may not align with the team’s title-winning window. While he could provide immediate offensive support, the cost and fit make this trade improbable because Bogdanovic and Jones won’t be enough to cover for a departing All-Star-caliber player.
