Celtics Trade Rumors: Boston Expected to Explore Frontcourt Market Ahead of Deadline

The Boston Celtics are expected to "scan the league for another big man" ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline, according to Jay King of The Athletic.

King listed Mason Plumlee, Jae'Sean Tate, P.J. Washington, Kelly Olynyk and Chris Boucher as potential options to shore up the frontcourt.

Shams Charania of The Athletic previously reported the Celtics were among the teams that have showed "significant trade interest" in San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl.

Poeltl has been in high demand this year as a proven two-way center on an expiring contract. The 27-year-old is averaging 11.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks for a team that has lost six straight to fall to 14-37. That makes Poeltl an obvious trade candidate, although he's potentially too expensive for the Celtics.

Robert Williams is the team's best option at center when healthy, while veteran Al Horford remains a quality starter. Boston could still use another insurance piece for when Williams is unavailable, while depth alongside Luke Kornet and Sam Hauser would be valuable ahead of the playoffs.

The Celtics entered Tuesday with the best record in the NBA at 36-15, but even a minor midseason trade could put them over the top as a title favorite.

The Charlotte Hornets have two such options in Plumlee and Washington, both of whom are starters for the 15-36 squad.

Plumlee is averaging a career-best 12.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. He's a reliable inside player on both ends. His 60 career playoff games also make him a proven option heading toward the postseason.

Washington is more undersized than Plumlee at 6'7", although he is a more versatile offensive weapon. He's averaging a career-high 15.1 points per game and is shooting 35.6 percent from three-point range.

Olynyk could make a similar impact to Washington as a floor-spacer with his 41.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc. The 31-year-old spent the first four years of his career in Boston, helping the 2016-17 squad reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

Tate is a bigger question mark. He's played only 13 games this year with the Houston Rockets because of ankle issues, but he's returned to the court in recent weeks and has scored double figures in his last three games. The 6'4" player is capable of defending multiple positions, using his strength to match up with taller opponents in the frontcourt.

Boucher, who's under contract through 2024-25, could be a long-term option for Boston. The 30-year-old is averaging 9.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game off the bench this season with the Toronto Raptors. He has averaged 2.2 blocks per 36 minutes across his career.

With Grant Williams and Blake Griffin heading into free agency this offseason, the Celtics could fill a major hole at the trade deadline.