NBA Rumors: The star who could complete a formidable Boston Celtics team for the 2026/27 season

The Boston Celtics have not had the start they hoped for. With a record of 5-6, the team led by Joe Mazzulla seems to be paying the price for a summer full of significant losses. During the offseason, Boston saw key pieces like Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porziņģis depart, while their top star, Jayson Tatum, remains sidelined recovering from an Achilles tendon injury.

The organization does not have high expectations for this season: the Celtics are expected to transition through a rebuilding year, focusing on developing young talent and maintaining minimum competitiveness. However, the future plans are much more ambitious: once Tatum returns to form, Boston aims to return to the top of the East.

One of the main goals on the green management's whiteboard is to replace Porziņģis's role with another modern center capable of stretching the floor. In that context, the name most heard in Boston is one of the most versatile shooters in the world: Lauri Markkanen.

The Finnish power forward from the Utah Jazz combines height, accuracy, and mobility, making him one of the most coveted players by title-contending teams. His profile would fit perfectly into the Celtics' system, especially alongside Neemias Queta, who has surprised with his defensive impact this season.

"You put Lauri Markkanen in Boston playing the role of Kristaps Porziņģis for the next four years... and you're rebuilding a potential dynasty," stated Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. "I know the price is high—Markkanen makes about 50 million per year—, and it would require sending several draft picks to Utah. But honestly, seeing Markkanen alongside Tatum and Jaylen Brown would be the perfect fit."

The potential impact of Markkanen

Markkanen is having a stellar season with the Jazz, averaging 28.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals + blocks per game ("stocks"). Although his shooting efficiency is below his historical average, his ability to score on the move and stretch defenses makes him a lethal piece in a system like Boston's, where he would share offensive responsibilities with Brown, Tatum, and Derrick White.

With less defensive pressure and more space, the Finn could further elevate his performance, providing what the franchise needs most today: offensive versatility and consistent outside shooting from the power forward position.

If Boston decides to make a move before the trade deadline, executing a trade of this magnitude will be challenging. Salary constraints would force the organization to part ways with multiple players and future assets.

A tentative trade could look like this:

Boston Celtics receive:

• Lauri Markkanen

Utah Jazz receive:

• Anfernee Simons

• Payton Pritchard

• Luka Garza

• Sam Hauser

• 2027 First-round pick (BOS)

• 2031 First-round pick (BOS)

• 2032 First-round pick swap

For the Jazz, the package offers flexibility and draft capital, precisely what Danny Ainge is seeking in their rebuilding process. Pritchard and Hauser are young functional pieces, while Simons and Garza's contracts would facilitate future maneuvers.

Losing Pritchard and three draft picks would be a blow for the future, but the potential of a lineup with Markkanen, White, Brown, Tatum, and Queta could bring Boston back to the top of the Eastern Conference.

If young promises like Josh Minott and Hugo González join that core, alongside complementary veterans in free agency, the Celtics could once again become real title contenders as early as 2026.

In conclusion, Boston's plan seems clear: weather the present and rebuild to dominate the future. And if Lauri Markkanen ends up landing at TD Garden, the return of the green greatness could be much closer than it seems.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: La estrella que podría completar un temible equipo de Boston Celtics para la 2026/27