BOSTON — The Boston Celtics have surprised even their most ardent supporters. They currently sit third with a 25–15 record. With Jayson Tatum’s return on the horizon, the Celtics have been linked with Jaren Jackson Jr. They could make that move to solve their frontcourt issues. It is unlikely they will make this move, and I will explain why.
Five Reasons Why The Celtics Won’t Land Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Celtics own the second-best offense in the league. Their defense has been good, though not dominant, ranking 15th. Boston defends the paint extremely well. They give up the second-fewest points in the league. They do this despite a frontcourt rotation dominated by unheralded castaways from other teams. None of them are former first-rounders. Still, head coach Joe Mazzulla and his staff have found a way to make it work.
The Fit and the Frontcourt Logjam
The emergence of Neemias Queta has helped mask the team’s lack of proven frontcourt depth. The team knows it needs a starting-caliber center. To that end, they have been linked with elite bigs like Ivica Zubac and Daniel Gafford. It is no surprise, then, that rumors have emerged linking them with Jackson Jr.
The Boston Celtics would ‘love’ to trade for Jaren Jackson Jr., per @HPbasketball
“Multiple league sources have asserted something whispered in the wind for a long time: The Boston Celtics would love to add Jaren Jackson Jr…But if Boston loads up a pick-heavy trade package… pic.twitter.com/K8hgWVNEtc
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 13, 2026
The 26-year-old 2022–23 Defensive Player of the Year is a two-time All-Star. He is also a two-time block champion and a three-time All-Defensive Team selection. He owns career averages of 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. Jackson Jr. is a great player. His skill set would fit into the Celtics system like a glove. He provides elite spacing in five-man lineups and elite rim protection. He would play a role similar to Kristaps Porziņģis.
Despite these positives, a trade remains unlikely. Jackson Jr. is a poor rebounder for his size. This season, his rebounding percentage ranks bottom-five among qualifying centers. Trading for him would not fix Boston’s rebounding issues.
Role, Usage, and Contract Concerns
This leads to his fit alongside the core. Jackson Jr. has shown his best position is power forward beside a dominant center. That alignment would force Boston to move Tatum to small forward. It would also push Jaylen Brown to shooting guard. Brown has been elite guarding wings. Asking him to guard quicker guards could prove too taxing given his build.
Jackson Jr. also thrives in isolation. He has often served as the top scoring option when Ja Morant has missed time. He would need to sacrifice usage as a third option behind Tatum and Brown. It remains unclear if he would accept that role.
His contract further complicates matters. He will make $49 million in 2027. He will earn $50.5 million in 2028, $52 million in 2029, and $53.5 million in 2030. That structure ties up Boston’s flexibility for years. Boston has entered the second apron before to chase titles. They could do so again. Still, this level of financial commitment carries risk.
A Tight-Lipped Front Office
Lastly, the Celtics operate quietly. Rumors rarely leak before trades. Porziņģis and Holiday arrived without warning. The presence of this rumor likely signals the deal will not happen.
Boston would also need to offer a pick-heavy package. They will not include their core in such a trade. Unfortunately, Boston does not own other teams’ first-round picks. They can only offer Memphis their own picks. Those picks likely fall in the 20s. That could prove a difficult sell for the Grizzlies.
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