The Boston Celtics’ season ended with a whimper rather than a bang, as a seven-game exit at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers exposed a familiar vulnerability. Despite a breakthrough year from Neemias Queta, the postseason revealed a glaring need for reliable, diverse depth at the center position.
Fortunately for Brad Stevens, last year’s tax-shedding trades of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have left the Celtics in a rare position of power. By dropping below the first apron, Boston now has access to the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception and several trade exceptions (TPEs).
With flexibility in hand, here are three realistic targets to bolster the Celtics’ frontcourt this summer.
1. Day’Ron Sharpe (Brooklyn Nets)
The Stats: 9 PPG | 7 RPG | 2.3 APG | 60% FG
The Profile: At 24, Sharpe is a high-motor “traditional” big who excels at doing the dirty work.
- Elite Rebounding: Sharpe is a vacuum on the offensive glass, ranking in the 92nd percentile for offensive rebound percentage.
- Defensive Disruptor: Unusually active for a player of his size, he ranks in the 100th percentile for deflections and the 99th percentile for steals among centers.
- The Acquisition: Brooklyn holds a $6.2 million team option. Since Boston has shown interest in the past, Stevens may look to use a TPE to pry the young bruiser away from a rebuilding Nets squad.
2. Robert Williams III (Portland Trail Blazers)
The Stats: 7 PPG | 7 RPG | 1.5 BPG | 71% FG
The Profile: The “Time Lord” return? Williams is coming off his healthiest season since leaving Boston and remains a game-changing defensive anchor.
- Rim Protection: Williams averaged 4.1 blocks per 100 possessions last season (98th percentile). Opponents shot 14% worse at the rim when he was the primary defender.
- Offensive Fit: He requires zero plays called for him, thriving on lobs and putbacks while offering elite passing vision from the high post.
- The Risk: Health is always the asterisk with Williams, but as an unrestricted free agent coming off a strong playoff showing against the Spurs, he represents a high-ceiling reunion.
3. Jock Landale (Atlanta Hawks)
The Stats: 10.6 PPG | 5.7 RPG | 1.7 APG | 38% 3PT
The Profile: If Boston wants to maintain its “five-out” offensive spacing without Porzingis, the 30-year-old Landale is the most versatile choice.
- Stretch Potential: Landale converted a career-high 38.3% of his threes last season on nearly three attempts per game.
- Fundamental Soundness: While he lacks the elite athleticism of Sharpe or Williams, he is a disciplined team defender and a quick decision-maker in the short roll.
- The Acquisition: As an unrestricted free agent, Landale likely falls perfectly within the range of a portion of Boston’s mid-level exception.
The “Wildcard”: Karlo Matković
If the Celtics want a younger, developmental project, keep an eye on Karlo Matković. The 25-year-old Croatian shot a staggering 42% from deep and 81.7% in the restricted area for the Pelicans. If New Orleans declines his team option to prioritize other young bigs, he would be a “modern” rotation piece with massive upside.
The Verdict
The Celtics can no longer afford to enter a season with “half-answers” at the five. Whether it’s the rebounding of Sharpe, the shot-blocking of a healthy Williams, or the floor-spacing of Landale, Brad Stevens has the tools to ensure that next year’s postseason run doesn’t get bullied in the paint.
Financial Fact: By staying below the first apron, the Celtics are no longer restricted by “frozen” draft picks or the inability to aggregate salaries in trades—making this their most flexible offseason in years.
