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He went from hoop dream to hoop meme.

Eight years after an exasperated Knicks fan infamously sold his “fanhood” on eBay because the team was so bad, insists he’s not crying foul now that they’ve cruised into the NBA Finals. 

“I have zero regrets,” turncoat Evan Perlmutter told The Post, after the Knicks clinched their first appearance in the championships since 1999.

The sports marketing exec from Long Island auctioned off his lifelong loyalty to the home team in 2018.

His “mounting frustration” had grown steadily as the powerhouse team of the 90s — with players like Patrick Ewing and Larry Johnson, whose posters adorned his childhood room — devolved into a league laughingstock.

The frustrated 40-year-old fan blamed the team’s front office, saying “the circus . . . started from the top.”

So in one final act of desperation, he wrote an impassioned 2,000-word cry for help on eBay, entitled, “Infuriated New York Knicks fan has had enough, selling my fanhood.”

It caught the attention of a southern California YouTuber named James Riedel, who bid a cool $3,450 — on the condition that Perlmutter become a Los Angeles Lakers fan.

He did so gladly.

“I really made him a Lakers fan,” Riedel, 30, triumphantly told The Post, noting the 2020 championship win that Perlmutter relished.

Perlmutter, a former Madison Square Garden ad-sales employee, says he’s never looked back.

“All the coaches the Knicks went through, the horrible trades, the management, how they treated the fan base year over year, decade after decade, added up,” he said.

But as the Knickerbockers this month bulldozed through one playoff opponent after another (and the Lakers were unceremoniously knocked out in round 2), he’s begun to pay the price.

“You know you want to root for the Knicks now” and other taunting texts from friends are pouring in.

Still, the traitor won’t back down.

“It’s a false sense of the team being good,” he sniffed. “The cards have fallen in their favor. They’re more lucky than good.”

And he had this prediction for Knick fans: “The Knicks aren’t going to win the finals.”

But “The Damn Knicks,” a short film by Knick fan and filmmaker Bobby Friedman loosely based on Perlmutter’s life, has a different ending: The New Yorker who sell his Knicks loyalty becomes the laughing stock of the basketball world when the team turns itself around.

All good things must come to an end, including the Western Conference Finals and my Fraternizing with the Enemy series of back-and-forth conversations with Cray Allred of the Daily Thunder. We discuss Game 6, or expectations of the deciding game, and what our favorite parts of the series have been so far.

J.R. 

I’m so excited because … it’s cliche picking time! Shall we go with all the marbles? Or do you prefer win or go home? Maybe put up or shut up? Possibly winner takes all? While I like the whole nine yards, it sounds football related, even though it isn’t, and that’s more about intensity and extent and less about finality. Here, I’ve got it: we’re headed to Game 7 for the whole shebang. Yeah, that’s the stuff. A little light-hearted, kinda quirky but gets the job done. Perfect!

Speaking of perfect, I feel like the first half of G6 was just what we needed from this series. It was more like G1 and if there’s anything better than two powerhouse squads going blow for blow through four quarters, I don’t know what it is. If I can’t get an entire game of it, 24 minutes will have to do. Seems like we’ve kinda been making do since that gem of a game two Sundays ago when it took two overtimes to decide it. 

After kind of losing their way in Game 5, when the Spurs only got Wemby the ball with a chance to both pass or score (i.e. non-lob opportunities) on 25% of their plays, they ratcheted things up and took that stat to 54% on Thursday night. That’s a huge shift and I found that even though I was hoping for Victor to live in the lane again like he did in G1, there were enough clever San Antonio plays that I didn’t miss it. 

Unfortunately, OKC’s shooting didn’t travel well which deprived us of another all-timer. But both teams’ road shooting has been disgusting recently, and I don’t know that I can expect that to change since Game 7’s are famously poor-shooting affairs what with everyone emptying the tank because there’s no tomorrow for the losers. Whoops, one of the cliches snuck out of the first paragraph. 

Alright, I’m interested in hearing from you about what you saw on the last game, and what kind of game you expect on Saturday night. 

Cray

Gosh, that double overtime Game 1 feels like a lifetime ago. It’s been so thrilling to write through such an epic series with you, even if the games haven’t been down to the wire much since that opener.

I wouldn’t be shocked by a rock fight to conclude the Western Conference Finals for the reasons you mention. I do wonder, though, if the relatively fresh legs from the Thunder (for everyone except Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, sadly) and the last gasp from the Spurs could propel us to a more high powered finish. There was no drama that would lead to a letdown for the Spurs, and low minutes were had by all the Thunder players thanks to the blowout.

I don’t know if I’ve studied the series too much or am just out of ideas, but my analysis hasn’t changed much. Here’s my copy/paste pregame analysis of Game 6, which still sounds about right to me:

“Game 5’s offensive explosion masked some cracks in the defense for OKC, which had kept them in the series through four. An elimination Game 6 should be the boost of all boosts for the Spurs, even if they’re gassed…Wemby digging deep to find another gear is something the greats all eventually get around to. Harper could recover more health, or energy, or confidence, whatever combination of those things are holding him back.”

Wemby, Harper, and the jackals delivered for San Antonio. Shai, Chet, and tragically, JDub couldn’t for Oklahoma City.

And here’s where I was at ahead of Game 5, the last time the Spurs clawed back even with the Thunder: 

“I’m taking heart in [an even] series, the bounceback capabilities of Shai and the Thunder bench, and the reality that crazy things happen in the playoffs. Shai has always been OKC’s hope, and I still believe. SGA will find a way to look more like himself, even as the sole playmaker.”

We’ve been here before, and Shai has always found a way. He’s got less help than ever, against the most formidable defensive matchup he’s faced in his postseason career. Seven games is a long time for him to crack the code, but it’s not yet too late.

I’m curious if you agree with Stephon Castle’s assessment after Game 6: has the WCF shown the Spurs to be “collectively” better than the Thunder in your eyes, or have they been fortunate to hang with OKC without their second best player virtually all series?

J.R. 

The first thing I remind myself of when I hear an athlete talking about something related to confidence is that this is a person that is literally paid to maintain a positive attitude in the face of often ridiculous odds. Here’s an example, the Spurs were down 20 points in the second half of a game this year and came back to win. How ridiculous is that? How incredibly short must your memory be to keep taking shots when they have all been missing, while still expecting that the next one is going to go in? 

This is part of the reason that it’s not just talent and size that separates us from professional athletes, there’s a mindset difference that is a big part of the equation. And that’s the kind of sodium chloride that I season with, because sometimes a pinch isn’t enough, and you need to take things with a grain silo of salt. 

As far as whether the Spurs have been good or fortunate, I’m with the girl from the Old El Paso ad: Why not both? Once San Antonio had solidified themselves in the second seed in the Western Conference, there was a lot of talk about how they wouldn’t go very far in the playoffs because they lacked experience. And then an increasing number of NBA analysts began backtracking from that point of view. But there was enough noise in that chorus that the Spurs began championing their lack of experience. There were comments made about how they had no experience and they were proud of it and how experiences is overrated or  unnecessary.

I guess that kind of talk is helpful in the same way that the guys who had to guard Michael Jordan found it useful to think of themselves as the best players in the world instead of MJ. (I’m certain Vernon Maxwell felt that way!) After all, how successful can someone be trying to defend the goat while thinking that they shouldn’t even be on the court with him? So when I hear Castle say that, I don’t mind, but I’m also not investing in it. Of course San Antonio has benefited from Oklahoma City’s injuries. Just like the Thunder has benefited from San Antonio trying to figure out who they are on the fly and from Fox and Harper being hobbled. To say otherwise would be silly. 

Speaking of silly, I feel myself getting excited for the game like I was for the series before it began, which makes no sense as these teams have now being playing each other for almost two weeks! What have been your favorite parts of the series so far, and what have you least enjoyed?

Cray

Jared McCain’s flurries, especially Game 3. Not just because of how lovable a personality and player he is, but because of how chaotic the Thunder have been pushed to play thanks to their injuries and opponent both. McCain was not Plan A, *or* B for the Thunder rotation, but worked his way into the starting rotation with fearlessness and off the bounce juice that they so sorely needed.

This postseason has become an inverse of last regular season for OKC, health-wise. In 2024-25, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein missed huge chunks of the season while JDub and Alex Caruso led the small ball Thunder to keep enforcing their defensive will on the league’s frontcourts.

Those wings played the Mighty Mouse in the House role while their teammates scrapped and clawed at entry passes, gathers, and uh-oh kickouts when other teams fed their big trying to press the size advantage. Now underhanded in the backcourt, McCain has been the surprise next man up. 

When McCain repeatedly took Kornet and Wemby to the cup in that Game 3, I was beside myself. Our smiley little prince had in fact come to slay giants.

The brief one-on-one possessions between Shai and Wemby have been another favorite, especially since SGA has tipped Vic over a couple times. I would love to see that matchup down the stretch in a close Game 7. I can already envision the slowmo shot of the ball barely clearing outstretched arms on a Shai jumper to win or lose the game–or to watch Wemby close the gap that looked to be available for the Clutch Player of the Year’s hero shot.

Honorable mentions: Isaiah Hartenstein’s impossibly accurate rainbow floaters skying higher and higher over Wemby, and Cason Wallace’s rude ripped dribbles from Dylan Harper in the full court.

What about your favorite moments and performances? I’d imagine it would be hard for much to come close to that transcendent Wemby Game 1.

J.R. 

Wemby’s exploits are always eye-catching, and it really is astounding how often he does something I’ve never seen before. The average play is Wemby going full steam down the lane into a spin move that he finishes while traveling at near full speed with his left hand as he flies past the backboard. The extraordinary play is when he pulls up from half court at the end of a half and nails a 43-footer that nearly everybody I’ve talked to about it says that they knew was good as soon as it left his hand.

Early in the series, there were terrific plays by Harper before his injury largely took him out of his scoring in Games 2 through 5, although his defense and rebounding allowed him to keep contributing as he healed. Now he seems back to terrorizing ball handlers, driving for dunks and pulling up for jumpers all over the floor.

I’ve loved Castle’s bowling ball routine and his relentless defense. I’ve appreciated Vassell’s pinpoint shooting and his perfectly timed blocks on the much taller Holmgren. KJ’s renaissance and energy has kept the Spurs in games. And before Champagnie’s shooting came back around, his defense and intelligent play have been the setting while his timely drives for buckets have been the diamond. 

Maybe most of all there’s been the chess match we discussed before; the one that has only gotten more complicated now that we’re at the ultimate game. OKC has installed entire play sets to lift Wemby out of the weak side corner so he can’t help on drives, and San Antonio has pulled Wemby away from rebounding during free throws to the front court prep lightning quick attacks because it’s safe to assume that Shai won’t miss from the line. Finally, the wrinkles that San Antonio unveiled in Game 6 with an early flare screen leading to a high pick and roll from the left side created a whole series of scoring opportunities that OKC have yet to show they can defend. 

Which brings us to today’s concluding game where we’ll see if Wemby can go off again and lift his young team into the Finals, or whether OKC thrills their home crowd and sends the visitors back to Texas to plan for next season. It’s peak BBIQ and elite execution and while I wanted to see the Spurs advance after 5 or 6, I can’t say I’m sorry it’s come down to the best of seven. Thanks for accompanying me on the journey. All the best to you. 

As the postseason continues, the offseason discussion is just beginning for the Phoenix Suns. As many on social media know, fans are trying to solve the team’s issues from last year. They want this team to succeed, and even if most of the team is back, some changes will occur.

That leaves us to discuss another player the Suns could pursue this offseason. With the Suns’ trade verdict series going strong, I want to continue that discussion by looking at another position of need. As we know, the power forward position was a glaring hole for this Suns team, and some more size was needed.

In today’s article, we will look at someone I personally have wanted the Suns to trade for in previous years and have written about in the past. That player could step in to play the power forward position in a supplementary role, still allowing the depth to develop alongside him.

So how could the Suns go about acquiring a player like Obi Toppin? Let’s break it down.

How could it get done?

When performing a one-for-one trade, there are three possibilities the Suns have up their sleeves. The first is trading Dillon Brooks for Obi Toppin, helping the Suns shed some money.

Secondly, they could trade Grayson Allen in the deal and save some money, too.

Lastly, it is the one logging Royce O’Neale, which is the only one where they would take back a little over $4 million.

With Toppin making $31 million over the next two years, this would be a solid addition without breaking the bank or making problems worse, given the dead cap money already owed.

What makes the most sense?

As I’ve stated in previous pieces, trading Brooks isn’t the right move. He has embraced this new culture and identity that the team wants to represent. Not only that, but there have been rumors surrounding his extension with Phoenix already, and he goes to Mercury games often. He is staying to put.

The other two deals, though, are where the discussion truly begins. Indiana ranked 18th in 3-point percentage at 35.6% but struggled throughout the season. Both Allen and O’Neale would add to that and bolster their role in that department.

The question, though, is with Ben Shepperd and Johnny Furphy, do they need Allen? Both of those players resemble what he could bring to their rotation, with Sheppered being a solid shooter and Furphy a driver (even if Furphy is more of a high-flyer). This points to the fact that they already have guys on cheaper contracts, which is the case. Even if Phoenix saves money in that deal, it is not the best for Indiana.

That is why, even though the Suns do take back more money in this deal, I think the best swap is Toppin for O’Neale. He would still be in that wing room, but is more of a catch-and-shoot scorer, something the Pacers lack. Add that to a veteran role off the bench, and it makes sense.

Why this could get done

for Toppin for the Suns since the 2024 offseason. His skill set would be a perfect addition at the power forward position, without giving up too much.

The power forward room needs an upgrade, and it also needs room for Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn to develop. That is why they need someone to fill the starter role (like Royce) and aid their development. Toppin would do that perfectly, coming on a team-friendly contract for starters.

Then you discuss his game, and it’s clear the rebounding, high-flying forward would bring some pizazz to this team. With his fantastic finishes, he would definitely get the fans pumped with some nice lob catches or dunks. We already witnessed Collin Gillespie with Mark WIllimas and Oso Ighodaro this year. Imagine him throwing lobs to Toppin; it’s cinema. Add that with his solid rebounding and ability to block shots, and he could fit in nicely.

This year, he suffered a stress fracture in his foot, limiting him to only 24 games. Yet in the previous two years, he missed two games combined, showing that it was only one injured year. He is someone who has excelled more as a bench player, but can fill the shoes if tasked.

You add that with a 6’9” frame, and you did find the size you were lacking in the front court from last year. For a small addition, without sacrificing too much, this is a swing I’d feel comfortable with the team taking.

For the Pacers, this is where it gets difficult. With them losing their lottery pick, it is expected they will still make a win-now move. They have the core with Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and now Ivica Zubac to make another deep playoff run. That is why keeping Toppin makes sense for them, as he has been a great culture and scheme fit. However, the question arises about Jarace Walker and his long-term future. Do they prioritize the veteran Toppin and trade Walker for a better fit, or extend Walker and trade Toppin?

Personally, I think they would rather keep Toppin, but if they were interested, Royce would aid them in three-point shooting. As I mentioned earlier, having him on the perimeter as a veteran wing could help with their shooting struggles with the young guys. With Aaron Nesmith presenting a similar playstyle, he could pose as a veteran to aid his game, while also filling in if he goes cold one night.

If the Suns really value what Toppin can bring, I am sure there is a way to get him to the Valley. With Brian Gregory and Mat Ishbia at the helm, we know they can be aggressive if they want something. That is why nothing is ever out of the question with them, and that is why I think it is still possible. If the Pacers are really looking to make moves, the Suns should call about this one.

What do you think, though? Should the Suns trade for a guy like Obi Toppin, and if so, what move would you make to get it done?

The Celtics have some big questions to answer this offseason. After back-to-back disappointing exits in the playoffs, Brad Stevens and the front office are likely to make significant changes in order to bolster the roster and thrust them back into legitimate title contention.

And whether it’s a Giannis trade or a less explosive move, the Celtics need to improve their front court. 

Coming into the 2025-2026 season, the Celtics center rotation was viewed as being one of the worst in the league. While Neemias Queta showed the world that was a horrendous assessment that he is a capable and even high-level starting center, it was a disaster showing from not just Queta, but all of the Celtics’ big men in the first-round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.

To be fair to Queta, it was his first playoffs, and a bad series doesn’t erase an incredible regular season, nor does it mean he can’t continue to develop and stamp himself as one of the league’s more stable and impactful centers. That being said, for the Celtics to compete at the highest level, upgrading the big man room is a priority. 

I think the context of the current league landscape as it pertains to big men is important. When you examine the elite teams over the last few seasons, most of them employ high-level big men. Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic sit alone at the mountain top and are the engines of their teams’ dominance. Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein provide an elite defensive floor and ceiling for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Karl Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson are a two-way overwhelming physical force, and Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis were dominant in their own right for the Celtics on the way to a championship in 2024. While the Cleveland Cavaliers exited the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals with a whimper, they still employed two versatile big men in Evan Mobley and Jarret Allen. The only recent Eastern Conference finalist that hasn’t employed an elite big man was the 2025 Indiana Pacers with Myles Turner, but he provided the rare skill set of being a six-foot-eleven center that can shoot the three at a good clip and protect the rim at an acceptable level.

So, how do the Celtics acquire an elite big man? Do they need an elite big man? From my perspective, there are two approaches Brad Stevens could take to revamp his big man rotation: The Big Splash approach and the Platoon Approach. 

The Giannis trade

If you have watched the Western Conference Finals and wondered how anyone can stop the alien that resides in San Antonio, the answer might be a Freak from Greece. The Giannis trade that makes the most sense to me sends Jaylen Brown to Portland, Giannis to Boston, and the Bucks get their own draft picks back with Jerami Grant, Toumani Camara, and Kris Murray as the salary that goes back to Milwaukee. Everyone is happy. 

I think the injury concerns regarding Antetokounmpo are overstated. In the 2025 season, just one season ago, Giannis played 67 games and placed third in MVP voting. He then put up 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists in a first round series loss to the Indiana Pacers, doing so with Damian Lillard sidelined with an Achilles tear. He dragged that team as far as one human being possibly could.

The obvious counterargument is that Giannis isn’t a traditional big man, so does he actually solve your front court issues? The data says yes. Giannis hasn’t historically played at center for the majority of his minutes, but he has thrived at the five. From 2020, the year the Bucks won the title, to 2025, in minutes with Brook Lopez off the court and Giannis and Bobby Portis on the court, the Bucks had a 7.5 net rating, a number that would have ranked fifth in the NBA this past season.

Now, imagine instead of sharing the court with Bobby Portis, Giannis is sharing the court with Jayson Tatum. Giannis is a surefire top-five talent, and in my opinion, is a seamless and versatile fit with Tatum. These types of players do not become available very often. If the goal for the Celtics is to win an NBA title, passing on the upside of a Giannis trade would be a mistake. 

Can the Celtics unlock Evan Mobley’s potential? 

Evan Mobley is a fantastic basketball player, the winner of the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, and a versatile two-way seven-footer who in theory would be a perfect fit next to Jayson Tatum. On the other hand, Mobley is prone to disappearing acts, like when he turned in a 9-point, and 1-rebound game against the Detroit Pistons in the second round. Evan Mobley paired with Jayson Tatum would be a lethal combination. Mobley gives you the defensive versatility that you lost when Al Horford left, and he gives you an offensive pop with his passing, ability to finish around the basket, and the skill to knock down the occasional three pointer.

Where this idea falls apart is the only way for the Celtics to realistically acquire Evan Mobley is by trading Jaylen Brown. The risk is too significant. Mobley has not consistently shown that he is worth the $270 million contract he signed. While Jaylen didn’t have his best playoffs, we know he is a consistent and dominant player in both the regular season and playoffs. And that’s before we factor in Jaylen’s emotional connection to the city of Boston. If the Celtics are going to trade Jaylen Brown, it needs to be for a package that is overwhelming in some combination of established talent and draft compensation. Evan Mobley does not fit that description. 

A smaller but still quite a big splash: Isaiah Hartenstein

I will say off the top that this scenario is very unlikely. The Thunder are likely to simply pick up Hartenstein’s team option this offseason and move off another player(s) salary to ensure they stay out of the second apron. However, if OKC decide they don’t want to pay Hartenstein $28.5 million next season, then the Celtics could absorb him into the $27.7 million trade exception the team generated in the Anfernee Simons trade, via a sign and trade. Again, this is very unlikely, but maybe the Thunder think it’s time to move on from Hartenstein.

This move is obviously appealing to the Celtics as they can acquire a talented big man without having to give up any significant assets. Another reason why this trade is unlikely, is that it would push the Celtics back into the luxury tax, meaning they would not be resetting the repeater tax , which they are on track to do if they stay under for one more season. However, the Celtics could get back under the luxury tax by moving Sam Hauser or Derrick White in trades that shed salary. Stevens can worry about those boring details if this unlikely scenario eventuates. 

Big Man by platoon approach 

I’m confident Neemias Queta can be a contributor on a team that wins a championship. I’m less confident that he can anchor a rotation that doesn’t have at least one if not multiple players that are close to his talent level behind him. The most simple and clean path to the Celtics improving the big man room is through the $15 millin mid-level-exception they will have access to in the offseason. If the Celtics can sign another impact big man with their MLE while also trading for another solid but cheap big man or getting a value big man on a veteran’s minimum contract, the rotation and overall foundation of the team will be in much better shape. 

Starting with an old friend, Robert Williams III. Yes, there are injury concerns. But once we move into this group of players, we start to find significant flaws with everybody. I’m not even sure Williams will be attainable for the MLE due to his phenomenal play in both the regular season, but especially in the playoffs. Despite all of the injuries, Rob still jumps off the screen with his outlandish blend of lob finishing, rim protection, offensive rebounding and high post passing. Rob is at the top of my wish list.

Next, we try to weaken an Eastern Conference rival. Welcome to Boston, Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks are going to be up against the second apron this offseason and Robinson may become a casualty of that reality. It’s hard for me to gauge the market on Robinson, but I could see him getting a contract from anywhere between $15 million and $25 million. Robinson is not without his own injury concerns, but he appears to have found the right amount of minutes for his body to allow him to decimate opponents at the rim on both ends every night. 

Our last mid-level-exception option: Sandro Mamukelashvili. I think Mamu would be a wonderful fit in Boston. He would give the Celtics more lineup versatility with the ability to play the five or the four. A small ball lineup of Mamu, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Hugo Gonzalez, and Baylor Scheierman is packed full of skill, defensive versatility, and plus rebounding. Mamukelashvili is a high-volume shooter with a great feel for the game. He would add some needed juice to the Celtics offense. 

Moving on to the bargain bin where we welcome home another old friend, Al Horford. This is a controversial name, I know. Horford has left the Celtics at some of their lowest moments. I’m willing to look past this if he is willing to return to Boston on a veteran’s minimum contract. As we saw in the Play-In Game between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers, Big Al can still turn back the clock. I believe Horford still has good basketball left in the tank, and I’m not dissuaded by the loyalty stuff. Bring Al home. 

While we are taking an emotionally complicated trip down memory lane, it feels appropriate to remind everyone that Kristaps Porzingis is a free agent. I’m personally happy to be out of the Porzingis business and I understand this opinion might feel hypocritical considering I have argued for several guys with injury concerns throughout this article. However, Porzingis’ health concerns are too much for me. KP played 32 regular season games this past season. I’m out. 

Here is where I show my bias as an Australian. Jock Landale, get ready to learn what it’s like to be a beloved role player at TD Garden. Landale would add a different, but still impactful, element to the big man group. Landale lacks the typical size and athleticism to be a starting caliber center in the NBA, but he’s big enough, is a high IQ player, has an incredible motor, and is just an all-around good basketball player. And maybe most importantly, Celtics fans would get to utilize the Jock O’clock nickname. Landale would be a shrewd signing for the veteran’s minimum. 

Some trade candidate honorable mentions: 

• Isaiah Stewart – Would the Pistons be interested in Sam Hauser and Baylor Scheierman in return for the bruising big man? Stewart didn’t cover himself in glory in the second round against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but that was likely due to a lower body injury limiting his athleticism. Stewart has shown he can be an elite rim protector while flashing some three-point shooting ability. 
• Paul Reed – If the Pistons don’t want to part ways with Stewart, can we interest them in a Sam Hauser for Paul Reed, Marcus Sasser and a second round pick trade? Giving up Hauser for this return feels like the Celtics are losing the trade. However, Paul Reed would provide the Celtics another look in their big rotation. A switchable, athletic, silky passing big. As the Celtics roster stands right now, the only way for the Celtics to utilize a switch-everything defensive scheme is by playing no centers. Reed would allow the team to switch-everything, but with a big man on the court. 
• Day’Ron Sharpe – Would the Nets send Sharpe to the Celtics for a second round pick? Sharpe would then slot into the $8.2 million trade exception that was acquired in the Georges Niang trade. Sharpe fits a similar archetype to Reed. Sharpe is athletic, young, versatile, and boasts some three-point shooting upside. Both Reed and Sharpe would be great additions to the big man group. 

Some calls are worth making even when the answer is probably no. You have to at least call about Naz Reid. The Daniel Gafford and Wendell Carter Jr. conversations probably don’t get too far either. These players would likely have to be brought in through the $27.7 million trade exception. 

Free agent honorable mentions. 

• Moritz Wagner – A Celtics legend returns home. Wagner hasn’t been the same player since he tore his ACL, but that’s why the Celtics might be able to acquire him for cheap and hope that he has a resurgent season.
• Brook Lopez – Lopez’s lack of foot speed is hitting catastrophic levels. However, he is still seven-feet tall and able to consistently stretch the floor. 
• Charles Bassey – I don’t know why Bassey can’t seem to hang on to a roster spot in the NBA. Every time I see him play, he looks like an NBA player to me. 

I’m sure I have missed the player that Brad Stevens will bring in to reinforce the center rotation, but one way or another, the Celtics big man rotation will be better next season. By adding any of the names mentioned the Celtics will have improved and that’s without baking in any potential improvement from Amari Williams, or the chance that Brad Stevens drafts the next Nikola Jokic with the 27th overall pick.

The question is whether Brad and the front office have the stomach for the big swing. The platoon approach is the safer, more financially responsible path, and it may well be enough to get the Celtics back to the Finals. But safe doesn’t win titles. The Celtics won the 2024 NBA title by aggressively pursuing Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis three summers ago. If the opportunity to land Giannis presents itself, Stevens needs to take it. If it doesn’t, the platoon approach is a viable fallback. Either way, the Celtics big man rotation will look meaningfully different next season. It has to.