Five Players Celtics Should Target With $27.7m Traded Player Exception

Five players Celtics should target with $27.7M traded player exception originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics will look to upgrade their roster this offseason after a stunning first-round exit in the 2026 NBA playoffs. During his end-of-season press conference, C’s president of basketball operations Brad Stevens identified one area of the team that needs addressing.

“One of the things that we’ve got to figure out is how to have more of an impact at the rim, and I think we do need to add to our team to do that,” he said. “Everybody plays a role in that, but at the end of (Game 7), (Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel) Embiid is standing at the rim on all those possessions, or a lot of those possessions.”

Boston’s frontcourt was exposed when Embiid returned to the Sixers lineup, and that was among the biggest reasons for its collapse after taking a 3-1 series lead. While Neemias Queta and Luka Garza played significant roles all season long, the Celtics need someone they can count on to anchor their frontcourt when facing tough playoff matchups. Nikola Vucevic wasn’t the answer, and even if he re-signs this summer, it’s worth wondering whether he’d have a major role.

Unfortunately for the C’s, this year’s free agent class of centers leaves plenty to be desired. The good news, though, is that Boston can add an impactful big man via the trade market with the $27.7 million traded player exception (TPE) it gained from the Anfernee Simons/Vucevic trade back in February.

So, what are the top realistic trade options? Here are five big men the Celtics should consider acquiring with their TPE.

Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets

• 2026-27 Salary: $23.1 million
• 2025-26 Stats: 57.1 FG%, 11.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.1 bpg (69 games)

The Celtics have been linked to Claxton in trade rumors before, and it’s easy to see why. The 6-foot-11 center is an above-average defender who can switch and guard anyone on the court at a high level. He consistently averages double digits in points per game while racking up rebounds and blocks.

Claxton is an athletic, versatile rim protector who should be relatively affordable in a deal with the rebuilding Nets. He’s coming off a down season by his standards, but joining a contender could help him return to form.

P.J. Washington, Dallas Mavericks

• 2026-27 Salary: $19.8 million
• 2025-26 Stats: 45.0 FG%, 32.5 3P%, 14.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.1 bpg (56 games)

At 6-foot-8, Washington isn’t the prototypical big man you may have had in mind, but the 27-year-old can play the five when the Celtics go small. Boston would benefit from his versatility, as he can protect the rim as well as switch and hold his own defensively against players of all sizes. Offensively, he’s capable of shooting the 3 and making his presence felt in the post.

Washington is a rell-rounded player who could help the C’s in a wide variety of ways.

Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic

• 2026-27 Salary: $18.1 million
• 2025-26 Stats: 51.2 FG%, 31.9 3P%, 11.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.6 bpg (78 games)

The Magic might look to move Carter Jr. to get under the second apron of the luxury tax. If so, the Celtics should give them a call.

Carter Jr. is a rock-solid defender who can also occasionally provide a spark on the offensive end. He isn’t the best rim protector, but he’s a versatile big who excels at switching and can anchor the paint. His play style would work well in Boston.

Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks

• 2026-27 Salary: $17.2 million
• 2025-26 Stats: 65.5 FG%, 9.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.3 bpg (55 games)

If the Celtics prefer a more traditional center, Gafford could be their guy. The 27-year-old averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over 55 games last season in the first year of his three-year contract extension with Dallas

Gafford is an exceptional rim protector. Offensively, he offers little upside but can do some damage in the paint.

If the C’s are looking for a Kristaps Porzingis-like big man who can shoot the 3 and provide rim protection, they should look elsewhere. If they want an elite presence in the paint, Gafford should be on their list of targets.

Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies

• 2026-27 Salary: $17 million
• 2025-26 Stats: 47.9 FG%, 35.0 3P%, 14.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.9 apg, 0.7 bpg (43 games)

Aldama checks a lot of boxes for Boston. The 7-footer is only 25, he’s affordable, and he provides value on both ends of the court.

Last season with Memphis, Aldama averaged a career-high 14.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while shooting 35 percent from 3-point range. He also notched just under one block and steal per game. The only concern with Aldama is injuries, as he was limited to only 43 games last season.