According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, with the NBA trade deadline roughly two weeks away, the Boston Celtics are searching for ways to become better. One growing solution is to become stronger at the center position.

Charania describes Brad Stevens and Boston as “aggressive” in terms of their approach to acquiring a high-level starting center.

“They’ve been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially,” Charania said about Boston’s approach to the trade deadline. “They’re going to be aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets. They’ve got contracts to play with.”

Two players have been connected to the Celtics: Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ivica Zubac. These two players are a realistic option for the Celtics, as they have expiring contracts to dish out (Anfernee Simons) and majority of their first-round picks being owned by them. Plus, let’s not forget, a $22.5 million traded player exception.

With them shedding enough salary during the offseason to get under the second apron, Boston has positioned themselves in such a way to maintain being below that threshold while potentially acquiring a massive addition to their organization.

Right now, Boston is second in the Eastern Conference, with them having a record of 28-16.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, confirmed by the organization, head coach Joe Mazzulla has signed a mutli-year extension with the Boston Celtics. It became official Friday morning.

Since the indefinite suspension, and subsequent exit, of now Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka, Mazzulla took over as the coach of the Celtics. He has been on a path of excellency and fulfilling high standards.

In his first season, the 37-year-old led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals. The following year, in 2024, Mazzulla took them to the NBA Finals and won in five against Dallas Mavericks – when Luka Doncic played for the organization.

“This is truly a blessing,” said Mazzulla. “I would not be here without my faith, my wife, and my children. We are thankful for the partnership with our ownership groups, Brad’s mentorship, and the support of our staff. Most importantly, I am grateful for the players I have been able to coach the past three seasons. I look forward to competing for the Celtics and the city of Boston.”

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Boston Celtics have made significant strides in reducing their overall payroll and luxury tax since the beginning of this offseason.

June 15th, Boston was hovering around a projection of $540 million. August 5th, Boston is now around $239 million. That’s a total of $301 million they’ve been able to eliminate.

To be able to get a huge chunk of their payroll shedded, the Celtics traded away Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. In addition to the two trades, fans also saw the Celtics part ways with Luke Kornet and Al Horford.

Rumor has it that they are looking to trade Anfernee Simons, if it means getting a good deal in return and being able to reduce their payroll even more.

The 2024 NBA champions are looking to reassembling this team through the draft and around Jayson Tatum for when he returns from his Achilles tear.