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Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics

A recent trade rumor for a center is coming back into focus for the Celtics

By Matt Dolloff

The Boston Celtics are back in the mix of NBA trade rumors, and for a big man that they’ve been linked to in the past.

Top NBA insider Shams Charania reports in his latest column for The Athletic that the Celtics are showing “significant interest” in San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl. Shams also said the Raptors have shown interest, so if the C’s really want Poeltl, they could have competition.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst brought up Poeltl and the Celtics back in November, citing the team’s willingness to trade a first-round pick and combine enough contracts to match the money ($9.4 million cap hit) as reasons to consider them one of the most likely suitors.

  • Jan 27, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) go for a rebound. during the fourth quarter at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

    Jan 27, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl (25) and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) go for a rebound. during the fourth quarter at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

  • Poeltl would be a “super-sub” kind of big for the Celtics, as long as Robert Williams and Al Horford are healthy. But he’s been a starter for the Spurs for most of the past three seasons. So far in 2022-23, Poeltl is averaging 26.5 minutes per game with an output of 12.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 blocked shots.

    He’s also shooting an excellent 63.2 percent from the field, the fourth-best mark in the league. The only obvious drawback for Poeltl is his free-throw shooting, with a career rate of 52.8 percent from the line.

    So, clearly, Poeltl would represent a bigger move than a post-trade deadline buyout signing or someone off the street. And the C’s have become strong trade partners with the Spurs in recent years, swinging the Derrick White deal last season and facilitating a deal to get Noah Vonleh off the books.

  • SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 01: Jakob Poeltl #25 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks shot of Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies at AT&T Center on February 1, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

    SAN ANTONIO, TX – FEBRUARY 01: Jakob Poeltl #25 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks shot of Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies at AT&T Center on February 1, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

  • We’ll continue to keep you posted with the latest Celtics trade rumors here at 985TheSportsHub.com.

    Click here for complete Boston Celtics coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  • Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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