Boston Celtics Aggressively Pursue Jaren Jackson Jr or Zubac

The Celtics are actively hunting for a "big-time starting center" ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, ESPN's Shams Charania said. Boston has been linked to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ivica Zubac and can pitch assets like Anfernee Simons' expiring deal, a $22.5 million traded exception and first-round picks. With Jayson Tatum out long term, a dependable big would stabilize the frontcourt and help Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Merlin sees the market as crowded and costly. Jackson is a long-term star with length and defense that Memphis may not want to give up. Zubac is steady and the Clippers are hot, so he will not come cheap. The Celtics’ committee approach has worked so far, but a true anchor would shift matchups and playoff outlook in a hurry.