The Boston Celtics are evaluating trade options for frontcourt depth while franchise cornerstone Jayson Tatum quietly accelerates his recovery from last spring’s Achilles injury.
Reporting from MassLive indicates team officials could leverage Anfernee Simons’ expiring contract as a primary trade chip, even if that means absorbing a longer-term deal to maintain salary-cap flexibility this summer. Forward Sam Hauser’s low-cost contract also gives basketball operations additional room to maneuver before the deadline.
Tatum’s progress draws encouraging reviews
Tatum has not been assigned a formal return date, but teammates consistently note visible improvement. “He’s staying mentally, physically, emotionally prepared,” Hauser told The Boston Globe. “His presence is still felt even though he’s not out there with us.”
According to the Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, the All-Star forward hopes to log minutes before the regular season ends, partly to develop on-court chemistry with younger teammates. During practice sessions open to the media, Tatum has participated more actively, moving freely in shooting drills and showing no obvious limitations.
For now, Boston’s front office waits on two fronts: identifying the right trade to bolster the center rotation and monitoring Tatum’s steady climb toward game action.
Source: Hoops Wire
