players the – With Giannis Antetokounmpo dominating the NBA offseason, the Celtics are also being connected to other options if a trade doesn’t materialize—starting with Kawhi Leonard, plus LeBron James, John Collins, Jaxson Hayes, and Coby White.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the name that keeps showing up in NBA conversations for the simple reason that the Bucks’ next move could be decided by what he wants. If his future doesn’t get clarified the way he expects. Boston would still have decisions to make—fast—about how to stay in deep playoff contention.
NBA insiders have the Celtics “in on” Antetokounmpo, but the question facing the franchise is what happens if that pursuit doesn’t land. One NBA insider report suggests the Celtics’ offseason shopping list could extend beyond Antetokounmpo and toward five other players.
Kawhi Leonard
Leonard is the first name connected to the idea that the Celtics could pivot. An NBA insider reported that Kawhi Leonard could be a prime trade candidate this offseason.
The fit is part of why he’s drawing attention. Leonard’s versatility and defensive prowess are described as a match for Boston—he’s framed as a veteran with championship experience who can score without demanding the ball. The report also describes him as a three-level scorer.
There’s no clear window on cost, but the piece makes the practical point that nothing about what Boston would need to give up is certain. It’s “probably worth at least kicking the tires with the Clippers” to check Leonard’s availability and price.
LeBron James
If the Celtics look toward unrestricted free agency. LeBron James is presented as the biggest and best name on the market. Even in his 40s. he’s described as producing “over 20 points per game.” The report adds that last season showed he can thrive as a second option. and that he’s willing to accept a role that isn’t always built around being the sole offensive engine.
A Celtics landing spot would depend on whether James chooses to leave LA—a “big if,” given his family is there and his son is his teammate. But the report says if he does leave, he’d have plenty of suitors and could fit Boston’s structure.
The described plan is straightforward: James’ size could allow him to play forward while using his IQ to operate more like a point guard. The report lays out a possible starting five with Derrick White and Jaylen Brown in the backcourt. Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta up front. and James operating as the offensive facilitator. It also argues that having him facilitate could help with Boston’s “occasional issues playing too much isolation ball.”.
The piece calls it a long shot for Boston, but it frames it as a “good landing spot” if James is looking for one last title run before retiring.
John Collins
John Collins comes up as a depth-forward option. particularly if Boston is looking to add another body in the frontcourt. The report says Collins didn’t exactly have a career year in 2025-26. but it still points to production—at 28 years old. he averaged 13 points and five rebounds per game while shooting over 55 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range.
It also looks back to his time with the Utah Jazz in 2024-25, when he averaged over 19 points per game and is described as proving he can be more than an offensive accessory.
The trade-off Boston would need to consider is money. Collins “might command a larger contract than Boston is willing to offer,” depending on how Boston approaches the luxury tax. Still, the report says his play style would seem to fit alongside Tatum.
Jaxson Hayes
Jaxson Hayes is presented as a relatively low-cost way to strengthen center depth. The report acknowledges Hayes has some growing to do as a center, but describes him as a candidate for what it calls “pretty low salary cap hit.”
Last season, Hayes averaged 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while playing roughly 18 minutes per game. The report also connects the idea to Boston’s playoff reality, saying Queta has struggles staying on the court in the playoffs, and that having Hayes behind him wouldn’t be the worst option.
It leans on discipline as a selling point: Hayes 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
Coby White rounds out the list as a guard-oriented option. but the report emphasizes Boston isn’t in dire need of help at the position. Still. if the Celtics decide to improve their guard depth. White is described as an unrestricted free agent who is coming off a season averaging over 17 points per game.
The piece doesn’t treat White as a pure shooting solution—his 3-point stroke is described as relatively average, and he’s listed as a career 36 percent shooter from distance. But it says he’s a capable scorer in other ways, too.
It also ties his value to potential roster churn. If either Payton Pritchard or Derrick White ends up in a trade scenario this offseason, the report suggests C. White could fill their offensive output.
For Boston, the offseason decision tree starts with one enormous question—whether the Celtics can land Antetokounmpo. But the list above reflects what the franchise would do if that path doesn’t open the way they need. and how quickly they’d have to pivot to keep the next postseason from slipping out of reach.
Boston Celtics Giannis Antetokounmpo Kawhi Leonard LeBron James John Collins Jaxson Hayes Coby White NBA offseason trade rumors NBA free agency