NBA Rumors: The Boston Celtics Target Myles Turner to Strengthen the Interior Game

The Boston Celtics are back in market rumors, this time related to center Myles Turner, currently with the Milwaukee Bucks. The possibility of a trade has gained strength in recent days, at a time when Boston is seeking greater solidity in the paint while Milwaukee continues to assess a roster that has not found continuity.

The interest of the Celtics responds to a clear need: to strengthen the center position with a reliable player, especially now that the team is trying to maximize the best years of Jayson Tatum. Turner has built his career as one of the best rim protectors in the league, in addition to providing outside shooting from the center position. He has been a two-time NBA blocks leader and maintains good percentages from the three-point line, something uncommon in his position.

Boston has struggled with defensive rebounds during the season, ranking 20th in the league with a 70.2% rebound rate in that area. The arrival of Turner could help stabilize that aspect of the game, as well as bring experience in high-level games. At 29 years old, his age also fits the franchise's competitive calendar, as it would allow to maintain the current core for a window of three or four seasons.

Image

The potential trade structure

One of the scenarios widely discussed would involve sending Anfernee Simons, Josh Minott, a 2026 draft second-round pick (from Detroit, Milwaukee, or Orlando), and a top-three-protected 2031 first-round pick to the Bucks. In return, Boston would receive Turner. The center is under contract for over $25 million per season until the 2028-29 season, a figure that aligns with Simons' expiring contract, providing economic flexibility to Milwaukee.

For Bucks' General Manager, Jon Horst, the deal would mean adding outside scoring and draft assets that could be used in future moves, especially if the team decides to reshape the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. For Boston, the primary benefit would be having a reliable interior defender who can also stretch the floor with his shooting. This combination has been lacking at various points during the season, particularly when injuries forced rotations to adapt.

In Milwaukee, the trade would close a defensive chapter that has not quite worked out, but it would provide flexibility and add useful pieces for the future. Turner could also find better offensive opportunities in Boston's system, where space is usually more available compared to the Bucks' current scheme.

In the 2024-25 season with Milwaukee, the center averages 12.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, shooting 38% from beyond the arc with a 58% true shooting percentage. Throughout his career, his averages stand at 13.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks, with a 35% three-point shooting and 59% true shooting. In the 2023-24 season, while playing for the Indiana Pacers, he achieved 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, shooting 36% from three with a 61% true shooting percentage.

The deal would require Boston to take on a significant contract and give up a distant first-round pick, but the sports fit is evident. Milwaukee would lose size in the short term but gain maneuverability in the future. Overall, the potential trade seems to favor the Celtics, who would add an established center to a roster designed to compete for the title now.