The Boston Celtics, fresh off a championship run and now fully immersed in the pressure of defending their title, are not sitting idle. With an already stacked roster featuring Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Jrue Holiday, the Celtics’ front office is showing no signs of complacency. In fact, one particular executive within the organization is reportedly pushing hard to bring in a dominant big man in free agency—an effort that reveals the seriousness with which Boston is treating its repeat ambitions. The recent chatter inside the Celtics’ war room suggests that while the team has size and depth, there remains a lingering desire for one more intimidating presence in the paint—someone who can complement Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford, anchor the second unit, and serve as an insurance policy against injuries that often derail great teams in pursuit of back-to-back titles.
This quiet but persistent push by a Celtics executive underscores a core belief in modern team-building: in an NBA landscape dominated by spacing, perimeter shooting, and versatility, there is still immense value in having a physical force down low. Boston’s playoff success last season was largely powered by its perimeter defense and offensive firepower, but internally, some in the organization recognize that they got by without having a true bruiser in the paint. Kristaps Porziņģis, while highly skilled, is more of a stretch big than a traditional rim protector or rebound machine. Al Horford, nearing 39 years old, remains serviceable but can’t be relied upon for long stretches or back-to-backs.
The executive pushing this idea is said to have a deep appreciation for gritty basketball—the kind that wins when three-pointers stop falling and games become a slugfest. He reportedly believes that bringing in a traditional big man could help the Celtics match up better against Eastern Conference rivals like the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat, both of whom are more physical than finesse-oriented. The idea isn’t to shake up the team’s core identity, but rather to bolster it. While the Celtics have been linked to names like Andre Drummond, Goga Bitadze, and even a potential reunion with Aron Baynes, the market remains fluid. What’s clear is that the team is actively evaluating how to improve without compromising their championship DNA.
One name being quietly discussed is Jonas Valančiūnas, a free agent with experience, rebounding prowess, and the ability to space the floor in short spurts. While his price tag may be steep depending on what offers he gets from other teams, the Celtics are said to be willing to use their mid-level exception or even engineer a sign-and-trade scenario if needed. The willingness to go to such lengths is a reflection of how confident this front office is in its core and how focused they are on winning now. Adding another big man wouldn’t be about filling minutes—it would be about winning crucial possessions in the playoffs, when size and toughness often determine the outcome of tightly contested series.
Another intriguing option is Bismack Biyombo, whose shot-blocking and defensive rebounding ability have long been respected around the league. While not a scorer, Biyombo would provide hustle, rim protection, and a strong locker-room presence. The Celtics’ locker room is already one of the most cohesive in the league, and executives are careful not to disrupt that chemistry. That’s why any acquisition must also fit the team’s culture. Boston values professionalism, accountability, and role clarity—traits Biyombo is known to embody. With Brad Stevens now fully immersed in his front-office role, the Celtics’ decision-making has become more calculated and nuanced, and that includes a focus on roster balance and psychological readiness.
Beyond the statistical and physical contributions, this push for a big man also hints at strategic foresight. The Celtics, if they hope to repeat, will likely face teams that can expose any gaps in their frontcourt depth. The Cleveland Cavaliers boast Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. The Bucks still have Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The New York Knicks, with Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein, play a bruising brand of basketball that can wear teams down. Depth at the five becomes a survival mechanism, not just a luxury. While the Celtics can go small and lethal, they want to ensure that going big is an option, too. This is about optionality—about playing 82 games and making it through four grueling playoff rounds with the ability to pivot on the fly.
The executive pushing for this move has reportedly emphasized the importance of being proactive rather than reactive. Injuries are unpredictable. A tough matchup could present itself in round one. Porziņģis could deal with lingering foot issues. Horford may need more rest days than anticipated. And Luke Kornet, while a beloved depth piece, may not be suited for heavy playoff minutes. Therefore, the time to act is now—when the team can still make adjustments without being under duress. Signing a big man in free agency might not grab headlines in the way a superstar trade would, but for a team this close to perfection, the smallest tweaks could be the difference between back-to-back banners or another “what if” campaign.
There’s also a fiscal reality in play. The Celtics are operating close to the second apron, which severely limits their flexibility going forward. Adding a player now using available exceptions may be the last significant move they can make for a while. With Tatum soon to ink a record-setting extension, the window for financial maneuvering is shrinking. That reality adds pressure to get this decision right. The executive in question understands that this offseason isn’t just about riding the momentum of a title—it’s about building the infrastructure for sustained dominance.
Internally, players have shown support for the idea, especially those who see the value in lessening the burden on Horford and Porziņģis. Tatum and Brown have both commented in the past on the importance of depth and how tiring the playoffs can be, especially for bigs. Adding a banger who can come in, rack up fouls, control the glass, and allow the stars to stay fresh is not only logical—it’s necessary. Even head coach Joe Mazzulla, known for his emphasis on analytics and flexibility, has reportedly warmed to the idea, recognizing how one new defensive anchor could unlock more aggressive schemes on the perimeter.
Some analysts believe the Celtics are already deep enough and should save their resources for midseason trade opportunities. But there’s a competing school of thought that says fortune favors the bold. This executive isn’t looking to make a rash move—he’s looking to make a smart, forward-looking one. Bringing in a big man who can be trusted in 12–15 minutes per game, who can eat up regular-season minutes and deliver situational defense, is not about rewriting the Celtics’ script. It’s about reinforcing it with better tools for the sequel.
There’s also a leadership element at play. A veteran big man could bring additional experience to an already mature locker room. Horford is a vocal presence, but with each passing season, the team must prepare for life after him. A new big could slowly be groomed into that role—someone who brings defensive accountability, sets the tone in practice, and understands his role. That kind of leadership is invaluable, especially on nights when energy is low or the schedule gets brutal.
The Celtics, unlike many contenders, don’t have glaring holes. But sometimes the difference between a title and an early exit is the guy who tips a loose rebound out, boxes out on a free throw, or absorbs six fouls to make life miserable for an opposing superstar. The front office knows this. Their executive voices know this. And the one who’s pushing hardest for this move appears to be making traction, because momentum behind the scenes is building. The sense is that Boston will indeed make a move before training camp, and if they do, it won’t be for flash—it’ll be for function.
As the free agency period continues to unfold, watch the Celtics closely. Their moves might not dominate the SportsCenter reel, but they could very well dominate the hardwood when it matters most. This isn’t just about staying on top—it’s about building a dynasty, one smart move at a time. And right now, that move might just be adding one more big man who’s ready to do the dirty work in pursuit of banner 19.
