Celtics Identified As Trade Fit For Six-Year Center Who Could Cut Into Neemias Queta's Minutes originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Celtics just started their playoff journey, and while there is still a long way to go this season, it's never too early to start looking at players Boston could add to its roster this offseason.
Bleacher Report's Dan Favale believes that Onyeka Okongwu of the Atlanta Hawks would be an excellent trade target for the Celtics to consider this summer.
"Onyeka Okongwu both splits the difference and is the most ambitious option. His three-ball is reliable enough (including from above the break!) for him to play in tandem with Queta," Favale wrote on Wednesday.
"Salary-matching will get iffy depending on the Atlanta Hawks' 2026-27 goals. Otherwise, the Celtics have the wiggle room beneath the tax to take on Okongwu's money without needing to give up Derrick White or Payton Pritchard. They could even get away with keeping Sam Hauser and taking Okongwu into the Anfernee Simons trade exception."
Okongwu has played in the NBA for six seasons, appearing in 381 games and averaging 10.7 points and 6.9 rebounds. However, he's having an outstanding season, averaging 15.2 points and 7.6 rebounds over 74 games.
If the Celtics were to acquire Okongwu, he could step in as the starting center or serve as a solid option off the bench, adding depth to the second unit. Yet, his presence might lead to a reduction in minutes for the current center, Neemias Queta.
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