Why Jaren Jackson Jr. Is the Perfect Fit - and Biggest Gamble - for the Boston Celtics

Another day, another name surfacing in Boston’s trade orbit - and this one is about as big as they come.

According to NBA insider Matt Moore, the Boston Celtics (24-15) “would love” to trade for Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., adding that no team he’s heard from has shown more interest in the former Defensive Player of the Year. On its face, it’s the kind of report that immediately grabs attention. Jackson is 26, a two-time All-Star, and one of the league’s most versatile defensive bigs. He’s also signed to a five-year, $240 million max extension that hasn’t even kicked in yet.

That’s why this rumor attracts both intrigue and skepticism.

Boston’s interest is logical. The Celtics have sought frontcourt help since losing Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet. They’ve survived smaller lineups and makeshift solutions, but the lack of a true defensive anchor sometimes shows. Jackson, 6-foot-10 with elite rim protection, would change that. He’s averaging 18.5 points and remains one of the league’s most disruptive defenders, though rebounding is not his strength.

Context matters, though - on both sides.

Memphis (17-22) is at a crossroads, with trade talks involving Ja Morant. A franchise once rising now faces a possible reset. If the Grizzlies rebuild, Jackson becomes one of their top assets. But value goes both ways. His contract escalates, topping $53 million by the end. He has averaged just over 58 games per season before this year. That’s significant money and risk for one roster spot.

For Boston, the mechanics of a deal are where things get complicated fast.

Moore notes Anfernee Simons’ contract would be the starting point for any Jackson talks, although league sources say the Celtics are less willing to attach significant draft capital just to clear salary. Simons has become a key sixth man and improved defensively, making him less expendable than earlier in the year.

Beyond Simons, Moore suggests a pick-heavy package with young, tradeable pieces like Jordan Walsh or Hugo Gonzalez. This approach might appeal to a rebuilding Memphis team.

However, a Jackson trade would move Boston back toward the second apron, limiting flexibility just as the organization regains breathing room. Filling the rest of the roster with minimum deals while replacing multiple rotation forwards is a real challenge.

Then there’s the reality Moore points to: as the deadline nears, rumors intensify. "Interest" often comes from routine check-ins, not serious pursuits. Calls happen, names circulate, leaks follow - usually stripped of timing and intent.

Jackson isn’t Boston’s only rumored target. Ivica Zubac, Robert Williams and Daniel Gafford have also been mentioned, highlighting that the Celtics are surveying the frontcourt market, not committing to one target.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is the cleanest theoretical upgrade - elite defense, prime-age, great fit. He’s also the boldest gamble.

Right now, that tension defines the rumor itself.

Interest? Absolutely.

Inevitability? Not even close.

Until Boston demonstrates it can shoulder the financial, roster, and health-related risks of such a bold move, Jackson is less a realistic destination and more the ultimate test of how far the Celtics are willing to go to win.

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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.