The Boston Celtics have been arguably the most active team in the trade market in recent years. This offseason, the team traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. The deal that netted them Paul George was one of the most shocking moves in recent NBA memory and broke up a Brown-Jayson Tatum duo that was among the best in the league.
Just one year before that, Boston traded fellow contributors to their 18th NBA championship, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, away to the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively. Brad Stevens is well-regarded as one of the best general managers in basketball, and he isn't afraid to make the big and controversial moves if he thinks it'll better the team's short and long-term outlooks. So, are any Celtics on the hot seat to become trade candidates this year?
Neemias Queta, C
Neemias Queta had a breakout season last year. After spending four seasons predominantly glued to the bench, Queta became a starter for Boston and averaged 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. The Celtics' retool forced Queta into action, and he proved that he can excel as a rim protector and on the glass.
Queta's big year resulted in a four-year, $56 million contract extension that would make it appear, at first glance, as though the Utah State product is Boston's long-term starting five man. However, just days after Queta was given a new deal, the Celtics double dipped at center and signed Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47 million deal.
Robinson was fresh off winning the championship with the New York Knicks, where he proved himself as not just arguably the best backup center in the league, but a superior rebounder and shot blocker in comparison to Queta. Robinson was coined the Victor Wembanyama stopper, and he is a better option for Boston right away.
In all likelihood, the Celtics will keep both big men on their roster this year. After all, Robinson has a track record of missing time. If the Celtics get into a position where they need more guard or wing help, though, Queta would be an option to flip for another player at a position of need. His role will surely decrease this upcoming year, which is far from ideal for a recently and lucratively paid player. If Chris Cenac is able to contribute right away and isn't a raw project, then Queta may become expendable.
Article Continues BelowHugo Gonzalez, SG
The Celtics took Hugo Gonzalez in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. As a rookie, the Spaniard contributed very little, despite Boston needing players to step up after they traded away a number of rotation contributors and were without Tatum for most of the year. Gonzalez averaged just 3.9 points per game while playing 14.6 minutes per game.
Gonzalez's career is far from nearing bust territory. He actually saw court time in 74 games last season, and he still has tons of potential as a solid defender and playmaker. Even so, there is a world where the Celtics want a jumpstart to get back into contention, and in that case, they could trade a young and still developing player for a win-now contributor.
Doing so would not necessarily signal that the Celtics are giving up on Gonzalez. Instead, a trade involving the youngster would re-instill Boston's championship desires. Players are expected to take big developmental jumps heading into their second seasons, though, so perhaps the guard/wing is ready to become a contributor in his own right.