Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls tries to get around Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons
The Boston Celtics have been one of the most dominant teams in the NBA this season, picking up right where they left off after winning the 2023 NBA title. Even with star big man Kristaps Porziņģis sidelined for an extended stretch, the Celtics have shown they’re more than capable of handling adversity. With a mix of veteran leadership, star power, and a deep roster, Boston is shaping up to be the clear favorite for back-to-back championships.
However, while their core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart remains rock solid, the path to repeating as champions may be tougher this season. As defending champs, Boston now has a target on its back, and every team will be bringing its A-game. In an NBA that’s only getting more competitive, maintaining flexibility and keeping the roster fresh will be key for the Celtics as they march toward the postseason.
In a recent trade proposal, the Celtics are looking to bolster their already impressive roster by adding two strong pieces—shooting guard Cam Thomas and center Jalen Duren—in a three-team deal that also involves the Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons. This move would help solidify the Celtics’ depth and further cement their status as title contenders.
The Proposed Trade Breakdown
Here’s what the deal would look like:
Celtics receive:
- Shooting guard Cam Thomas
- Center Jalen Duren
Pistons receive:
- Center Day’Ron Sharpe
- 2028 first-round pick swap from the Celtics
- 2028 second-round pick from the Nets
Nets receive:
- Center Al Horford
- 2025 first-round pick from the Celtics
- 2026 second-round pick from the Celtics
- 2030 first-round pick swap from the Celtics
This deal would cost the Celtics a fair amount of draft capital and veteran experience, but for a team firmly in “win-now” mode, it might be the type of high-stakes trade they need to secure another championship. Let’s take a closer look at the players involved and why this could be a win for Boston.
Why Cam Thomas Could Be a Perfect Fit
One of the most intriguing parts of this proposed trade is the addition of Cam Thomas, a dynamic scoring guard currently with the Brooklyn Nets. Thomas, 24, has been on the trade block for some time now and could be the spark Boston needs to add more firepower off the bench. He’s proven he can put up points in bunches, averaging 24.6 points per game this season while also contributing 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
For the Celtics, Thomas would provide a scoring punch to complement their starting lineup and take some of the burden off of Tatum and Brown. His ability to create offense on his own—whether through isolation plays or running off screens—would give Boston a reliable scoring option when their stars need a break. Additionally, with Thomas hitting restricted free agency next summer, the Celtics could evaluate his fit within their system and potentially lock him up long-term if things work out.
Jalen Duren: A Promising Young Big Man
The other piece in this potential deal is Jalen Duren, a 21-year-old center with untapped potential. Duren has been somewhat of a disappointment so far compared to the high expectations placed on him entering the NBA, but he’s still putting up respectable numbers this season—9.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
While Duren hasn’t yet fully reached the hype that surrounded him when he was drafted, his size (6-foot-10, 250 pounds), athleticism, and rebounding prowess make him an intriguing option for the Celtics. Boston has long been a team that values strong defense and physicality in the frontcourt, and Duren could help solidify that area as they look to defend their title. The fact that Duren has a team option for next season at just $6 million adds another layer of value—Boston could opt to keep him around for the future, or let him test restricted free agency if he doesn’t pan out.
Replacing Al Horford in this deal is tough, but the Celtics would gain a younger, more long-term solution in Duren. Horford, 38, has been a vital piece for the Celtics over the past few seasons, but his age and declining play make him an increasingly uncertain part of Boston’s championship window. Duren could be an upgrade both for the present and the future.
The Impact on the Celtics’ Championship Hopes
Adding Thomas and Duren could make the Celtics even more formidable in the Eastern Conference, where teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat will all be gunning for the throne. Boston’s depth would increase significantly with Thomas giving them another scoring option and Duren providing a much-needed upgrade in the frontcourt. Both additions would give the Celtics more flexibility on both ends of the floor, especially when dealing with the grind of the postseason.
Moreover, Thomas and Duren could provide crucial minutes during the regular season, allowing Tatum and Brown to stay fresh for the playoff push. With Porziņģis still working his way back into full form, bolstering the roster now could be critical for maintaining a level of dominance in a competitive conference.
Conclusion: A Bold Move for a Bold Team
The Celtics have been the NBA’s most consistent team this season, and with their championship aspirations firmly intact, this proposed trade could give them the extra firepower they need to secure another title. While the deal would come with some costs—both in terms of draft capital and veteran leadership—Boston’s front office is clearly operating with one goal in mind: to win now.
If the Celtics are able to pull off this trade, adding Thomas and Duren would make them an even tougher opponent in the playoffs, providing depth, scoring, and size that would be essential in a potential Finals run. The Celtics have a championship-caliber roster, and adding these two young pieces could be the move that tips the scale in their favor.
With the Celtics already looking like the NBA’s best team, adding talent to solidify their depth would make them even more dangerous as they eye back-to-back championships.
Stay tuned as the Celtics continue to shape their roster for a potential championship repeat.
