The Boston Celtics spent most of the offseason trimming costs and resetting their tax bill. But as the new season unfolds, one glaring weakness has already surfaced — rebounding.
Boston’s frontcourt rotation has struggled to control the glass through the opening stretch. With Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet no longer around, the team’s interior presence has noticeably dipped.
That’s where one speculative trade idea could come into play.
In his Bleacher Report column, Andy Bailey floated a potential move that sends Anfernee Simons out of Boston in exchange for Myles Turner, one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors and stretch bigs.
Why Myles Turner Fits the Celtics
Turner remains one of the NBA’s most reliable rim protectors and stretch bigs. Last season, he averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks while shooting 39.6% from three — production that would immediately address Boston’s interior issues.
Rebounding has quietly become one of the Celtics’ biggest early-season problems. They’ve ranked near the bottom of the league in defensive rebounding percentage, and opposing teams have repeatedly punished them with second-chance points. Turner’s ability to contest shots and clear boards would stabilize a frontcourt currently built more on versatility than size.
Defensively, he’d give Derrick White and Jaylen Brown the freedom to pressure ball-handlers knowing there’s a dependable rim protector behind them. On offense, his spacing complements Boston’s drive-and-kick rhythm, particularly when Jayson Tatum returns from injury.
A Calculated Move, Not a Gamble
For as appealing as Turner’s fit looks, Boston’s finances can’t be ignored. The front office has spent the past few months unloading contracts and taking a step back in payroll flexibility.
And even if the Celtics wanted to make a move, the odds of prying Turner loose are slim. The Milwaukee Bucks just waived Damian Lillard this offseason to clear space and commit long-term money to Turner, pairing him alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in an effort to stabilize their frontcourt.
As for the Celtics, any trade of that scale has to be a home run. It’s not just about filling a gap; it’s about re-establishing a foundation for the next championship window.
Tatum’s recovery timeline gives Boston an opportunity to evaluate what it truly needs to stay competitive. If they can tread water until he’s back, adding a veteran big like Turner could be the perfect bridge between the short-term and long-term goals.
The Bigger Picture for Boston
The Celtics don’t need to chase another star. What they need is balance — defense, rebounding, and a stabilizing presence up front. Turner checks all those boxes.
Still, it’s the kind of move that feels unlikely. Given how deliberately Boston has operated since the Porzingis trade, the front office doesn’t seem eager to make another expensive commitment unless it’s a sure thing.
If they believe this roster can compete once Tatum returns, then targeting a big like Turner might just be the statement move that sets them up for another deep run — even if, for now, it remains more dream than reality.
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