The Boston Celtics‘ center rotation has been a strength this season, but with Nikola Vučević hitting free agency and Neemias Queta shouldering a heavy load, adding another reliable big man makes sense for 2026-27.
Financial constraints loom large, as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are set to command a combined $115 million next year, limiting splashy moves. Even so, we know that president of basketball operations Brad Stevens knows how to work magic. Speaking of Magic, how about an offseason trade with Orlando.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz recently outlined ideal offseason trades for every NBA team, proposing a deal that sends Magic center Goga Bitadze to Boston in exchange for draft capital.
“Celtics Receive: Goga Bitadze, 2026 second-round pick (projected No. 49 overall),” Swartz wrote. “Orlando Magic Receive: 2026 first-round pick (projected No. 27 overall).”
“Bitadze is one of the more underrated big men in the NBA,” Swartz continued. “Primarily in a backup role for Orlando, the 26-year-old is averaging 13.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.5 blocks per 36 minutes of play. On a team-friendly $7.6 million contract next year, Bitadze would be a good rotation big at the cost of moving down about 20 spots overall in the draft.”
This swap aligns with Boston’s need for cost-effective talent. Bitadze’s per-36 numbers suggest he could thrive in expanded minutes behind Queta, providing rim protection and rebounding. Orlando, meanwhile, gains a higher pick to help continue building around Paolo Banchero.
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