The Boston Celtics are in the market for a new center, but the free agent landscape is looking a little barren. The team has already lost Nikola Vucevic to free agency, and with several key players re-signing with their current teams, the options are limited. However, there are still some potential targets on the horizon, and the Celtics will be looking to make the most of their mid-level exception this summer. So, who are the players that could be on the radar? Let's take a closer look at some of the names that could be available, and explore the possibilities for the Celtics.
Mitchell Robinson: A Title-Winning Center
Mitchell Robinson is a player who has already tasted success, having won an NBA title with the New York Knicks. However, with the Knicks committed to staying under the second apron, Robinson may be looking for a new challenge. The Brooklyn Nets are rumored to be interested, and the Celtics would need to offer a substantial deal to secure his services. With the Nets having cap space, the Celtics would likely need to use a large portion of their mid-level exception to make it happen. Robinson's defensive abilities and rebound skills would be a welcome addition to the team, but his offensive capabilities are somewhat limited. It's a risky move, but one that could pay dividends if the Celtics can make it work.
Sandro Mamukelashvili: A Rebounding Force
Sandro Mamukelashvili had a strong year with the Toronto Raptors, and is now looking to cash in on his performance. The big man is expected to command a starting salary north of $10 million, but his defensive liabilities against starting caliber opponents could be a concern. Mamukelashvili is a monster rebounder, and his ability to score could be a useful addition to the Celtics' frontcourt. However, his defensive shortcomings may be a deal-breaker for some teams. The Celtics would need to carefully consider whether his offensive capabilities outweigh his defensive limitations.
Marvin Bagley: A Scoring Punch
Marvin Bagley has had a tough couple of years, bouncing around between the Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks. However, he still provides a good scoring punch for a bench player. The Celtics could be interested in his scoring ability, but his defensive shortcomings are likely to be a concern. With the Celtics already having some defensive-minded players, Bagley's scoring could be a welcome addition to the bench. However, his defensive limitations may be a challenge, and the Celtics would need to carefully consider whether his scoring ability is worth the trade-off.
Jaxson Hayes: A Reasonable Bid
Jaxson Hayes has played on a minimum salary with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the team has a small cap hold on him, allowing them to bring him back with Bird Rights for a reasonable price. The Celtics would need to make a real bid for a portion of the mid-level to snag him, but his reasonable price tag could be a plus. Hayes' ability to play both center and power forward could be a useful addition to the Celtics' frontcourt, and his reasonable price could make him an attractive option. However, the Celtics would need to carefully consider whether his ability to play multiple positions is worth the investment.
Kevon Looney: A Buy-Low Candidate
Kevon Looney is a strong rebounder and defender, but he's close to a zero offensively. The Celtics are rumored to be interested in him, and his injury-plagued year in New Orleans could make him a buy-low candidate. Looney's defensive abilities and rebound skills could be a welcome addition to the team, and his reasonable price tag could make him an attractive option. However, his offensive limitations may be a challenge, and the Celtics would need to carefully consider whether his defensive abilities are worth the trade-off.
Moe Wagner: A Shooting Ability
Moe Wagner had a strong year with the Orlando Magic, and his outside shooting ability could make him a nice running mate with Neemias Queta in a center rotation. However, a torn ACL in 2025 led to a decline in his play this past season, and the Celtics would need to carefully consider whether his health is a concern. Wagner's ability to stretch the floor could be a useful addition to the team, but his health concerns may be a deal-breaker for some teams. The Celtics would need to carefully consider whether his shooting ability is worth the risk.
Minimum Shopping Options
For those on a tighter budget, there are still some options available. Andre Drummond, Zach Collins, Nick Richards, and Kelly Olynyk are all players who could be available for a minimum salary. Drummond's ability to rebound and score could be a useful addition to the team, while Collins' upside could be worth a roll of the dice. Richards' rim-running ability could be a welcome addition, while Olynyk's facilitation skills could be a useful asset. However, these players may not be the long-term solution the Celtics are looking for, and the team would need to carefully consider whether their limitations are worth the investment.
The Celtics have a challenging task ahead of them, and the free agent landscape is looking a little barren. However, with the mid-level exception and a few potential targets on the horizon, there is still hope for the team. The Celtics would need to carefully consider each option, weighing up the pros and cons of each player. It's a tricky situation, but with the right moves, the Celtics could still make a strong case for themselves in the Eastern Conference.
Personally, I think the Celtics should focus on securing Mitchell Robinson. His defensive abilities and rebound skills would be a welcome addition to the team, and his title-winning experience could be a valuable asset. However, the risk is high, and the Celtics would need to carefully consider whether the potential rewards outweigh the risks. In my opinion, it's a move worth considering, but one that the Celtics would need to approach with caution.
