The Celtics want a trade for a “big” center. Does the Nets’ Nick Claxton fit the bill?

With Jayson Tatum sidelined with Achilles tearmany assumed this would be a lost season for Boston Celtics. Avoiding the luxury tax, in-house player development and draft position were among the talking points surrounding the squad heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

Still, thanks to Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Peyton Pritchard and others, Boston is in second place in the Eastern Conference halfway through the regular season. The Celtics’ success could make them a buyer NBA trade deadlinewith an entry-caliber center at the top of their wish list.

“The trade deadline is less than two weeks away. Going into the year, it was like, are they going to cut (more) salary? I could see Boston going the other way (now) and maybe adding another big man,” Shems Charania said. “They’ve been in the market, trying to get a big starting center potentially. They’re going to be aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets. They’ve got contracts to play with.”

“Jaylen Brown has to be in the MVP conversation for what he’s done with that Celtics team.”

Boston could be a team looking to make a move before the trade deadline.” ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/3Brhpavekf

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShov) January 23, 2026

The Celtics’ center rotation currently consists of Neemias Cueta, Luca Garza and Amari Williams. With a team looking for an upgrade, two Brooklyn Nets big men could be on his radar.

While the Nets are slumping this season, they have two starting-caliber centers — Nic Clacton and Dai’Ron Sharpe — in their rotation.

Nick Claxton is among the centers the Celtics could target at the NBA trade deadline

Claxton has looked revitalized this season after an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign. The 27-year-old averaged 12.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 blocks on 57.9 percent shooting. He is one of five centers averaging over 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists while shooting 50 percent or better, joining Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun, Domantas Sabonis and Evan Mobley, according to NBA.com.

Claxton’s perimeter defense, driving ability and playmaking would offer a significant upgrade for the Celtics.

Boston would have to use Anfernee Simmons’ expiring $27.6 million contract to match Claxton’s salary in the trade. Brooklyn would also seek compensation for a first-round pick.

The Celtics previously asked with the Los Angeles Clippers about a frame that includes Simmons, a first-round pick and a future first-round pick swap for Ivica Zubac, according to Hoopshipe’s Michael Scott. However, the agreement did not gain any force.

A similar package could be in play for Clacton. However, that price could end up being too high given Clacton’s limitations as a defensive rebounder and Simmons’ recent play. The Celtics guard is averaging 15.8 points while shooting 43.8 percent from three on 7.6 attempts per game over his last 16 appearances.

Simmons’ outside shooting and secondary shot creation have been critical along with Jaylen Brown while Tatum has been sidelined. It remains unclear whether Tatum will return this season.

Still, the Celtics will need an upgrade at center next season when Tatum returns. Trading Simmons’ expiring contract, which they acquired in the offseason while trading Jrue Holiday to the Trail Blazers, and a draft pick for Claxton wouldn’t be a bad outcome.

If the Celtics are looking for a cheaper alternative, they could inquire about Sharpe. Boston planned to pursue Sharp in free agency to fill its starting center position during the offseason, but could only offer him a minimum contract, according to Scotto. Instead, he signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract with the Nets.

Sharp is making just $6.25 million this season and once again looked like one of the best backup centers in the NBA. The 24-year-old is averaging 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 60.3 percent in 18.2 minutes per game.

While Sharpe would be cheaper than Claxton, both in terms of salary and compensation, the Nets hold the fifth-year big man in high regard. His rejection could cost the Celtics a late first-round pick. Boston’s first round pick this year is currently 24th.