NBA Trade Speculation: Best Big Man Options for Boston Celtics Post-Lockout

The Boston Celtics are in need of a big man following the end of the NBA lockout early Saturday morning.

Bottom line: Boston will not contend in the East this season if they do not bolster their frontcourt via a trade or free agency.

The loss of Shaquille O'Neal and Kendrick Perkins left a void in the middle of the TD Garden paint, and now Danny Ainge must fill it. 

The tentative deal reached by the players and owners would open up the free agency period on Dec. 9, along with training camps around the league.

Rest assured that when the calendar strikes Dec. 9 the C's will be talking to free-agent big men who can defend the paint, as well as contribute on the offensive end when called upon.

Here are a few of the bigs that Boston could potentially be in the hunt for this December and where they fit in with the Celtics:

Joel Przybilla

The Charlotte Bobcats free agent center is 7'1" and just 32 years old. The veteran destroyed his knee last season and was ultimately traded from Portland to Charlotte in February.

Przybilla averages four points and 6.3 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game for his career. His defensive intensity would fit in flawlessly alongside forward Kevin Garnett.

His selfless offensive mindset would be an added bonus if Boston were to snag him off the market, and the concerns surrounding his surgically-repaired right knee would allow the C's to get him for cheap.

Samuel Dalembert

Another veteran center with plenty left in the tank, Sacramento Kings free-agent center Samuel Dalembert. Dalembert posted 8.1 points and 8.2 rebounds in 24.1 minutes per game last season with the Kings.

That type of stat line would have the Celtics in position to challenge Miami for the Eastern Conference crown this spring no doubt. Dalembert is also very healthy year in and year out, playing in all 82 regular season games in five out of his nine career NBA seasons.

At age 30, Dalembert will infuse some veteran athleticism into Boston's aging lineup while also providing an invaluable rim protector.

Kwame Brown

Perhaps Charlotte Bobcats free-agent center Kwame Brown could find some inspiration, fire or passion playing alongside Garnett in the Boston frontcourt.

Brown played solid under the rim last season with the Bobcats under the man that took him first overall in the 2001 NBA Draft straight out of high school, Michael Jordan.

If Jordan and Charlotte's front office are cool with letting Brown walk, then Doc Rivers would love to have the 6'11", 29-year-old on his bench. After all, bigs are going to be the difference between the Celtics and Heat in the postseason.

Glen Davis

Along with Delonte West, Glen "Big Baby" Davis is the key re-signing Boston must take care of in December.

Davis has played four seasons in Boston and it's no surprise he would be best suited back in Beantown this season coming off the bench in relief or starting in case of injury.

The undersized Davis averaged career-highs in points and rebounds last season, and at age 25 would be the best free-agent signing for the C's given his upside and longevity.