5 players the Celtics could target this offseason

Giannis Antetokounmpo will certainly be the talk of the NBA offseason until his home for 2026 and beyond is solidified. A former MVP, he’s the biggest name that could be on the move if the Bucks fulfill his wishes.

The Celtics appear to be in on Antetokounmpo, according to NBA insiders. But if they bow out or fail to land the superstar, who’s left on the market that could help them get back to deep playoff contention?

Here are 5 players that Boston could target outside of Antetokounmpo this offseason.

Kawhi Leonard

Leonard could be a name to watch on the trade block this season, according to sources from NBA reporter Michael Scotto. If that comes to fruition, he’d easily be the next best available player this offseason after Antetokounmpo.

Leonard would fit like a glove on the Celtics as well, given his versatility and defensive prowess. He’s a veteran with championship experience, who can score but won’t demand the ball, and he is a three-level scorer.

There’s no telling what Boston would have to give up to acquire Leonard. But it’s probably worth at least kicking the tires with the Clippers to check on his availability and price.

LeBron James

In terms of unrestricted free agents, James is far and away the biggest and best name set to hit the market.

Even in his 40s, James is producing over 20 points per game. And this past season, he proved that he’s not only willing to accept a role as a second option, but he’s thriving in it.

James will have plenty of suitors if he elects to leave LA, which is a big if, considering his family is there and his son is his teammate. But if he does leave, he’d certainly be a good fit for the Celtics. James has the size to play forward, but the IQ to be more of a point guard.

Boston could feasibly build a starting five with Derrick White and Jaylen Brown in the back court, and James, Jayson Tatum, and Neemias Queta in the front court while allowing James to run point offensively. Having him facilitate would help solve the Celtics occasional issues playing too much isolation ball.

James should be considered a long shot on Boston’s offseason wishlist, but if he’s looking for one last title run before retiring, it might be a good landing spot for both parties.

John Collins

Collins didn’t exactly have a career year in 2025-26, but if the Celtics are looking to add forward depth, he’d certainly be a good option.

At 28 years old, he averaged 13 points and five rebounds per game, shooting over 55 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range. In a larger role with the Utah Jazz in 2024-25, he averaged over 19 points per game, so he’s proven to be more than capable as an offensive threat.

Collins might command a larger contract than Boston is willing to offer, depending on what its approach will be to the luxury tax. But his play style would seem to fit nicely alongside Tatum’s.

Jaxson Hayes

Hayes has some growing to do as a center, but for a pretty low salary cap hit, the Celtics could bolster their center depth.

Hayes averaged 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season playing roughly 18 minutes per game. Given Queta’s struggles to stay on the court in the playoffs, a guy like Hayes behind him wouldn’t be the worst thing for Boston. Hayes only averaged 1.9 fouls per game last year, compared to 2.8 per game for Queta (and 4.1 per game in the postseason).

Coby White

The Celtics aren’t in dire need of guard help, but if they do look to improve at that position, White is an unrestricted free agent coming off a season in which he averaged over 17 points per game. His 3-point stroke is relatively average; he’s a career 36 percent shooter from distance. But he’s a capable scorer in other ways, too.

If either Payton Pritchard or Derrick White ends up in a trade scenario this offseason, C. White could fill their offensive output.