Boston Celtics trade rumors heat up as the team targets Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton, whose elite rim protection could fill a key defensive need and help propel Boston back to the NBA Finals.

The Boston Celtics are in desperate need of frontcourt help amid their retooling effort and could turn to another Eastern Conference team to strike a deal. The Celtics traded away star center Kristaps Porzingis in a cost-cutting move this offseason and are also expected to lose Al Horford in free agency.

In another blow, Boston has been looking to find diamonds in the rough. Luka Garza, Josh Minott, Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang have all joined the franchise. Currently, Boston's front-court rotation looks incredibly thin, both in terms of talent and depth.

The Boston Celtics were hoping to go back-to-back this past season after winning the title in 2024. Instead, the Celtics were eliminated in six games by the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs.