The Boston Celtics are once again making headlines in the NBA trade market, with serious discussions reportedly underway to bring Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner to Massachusetts. This potential move comes as the Celtics seek a permanent solution for their interior struggles, while the Bucks evaluate a roster that has failed to find consistent form this season.
Why the Celtics Are Targeting Myles Turner
The Celtics' interest in Myles Turner stems from a clear and persistent weakness in their lineup. For too long, Boston has relied on temporary fixes and has been plagued by injuries and poor rebounding in their frontcourt. Acquiring a steady, experienced center like Turner is seen as a critical step to solidify their championship aspirations, particularly to support franchise cornerstone Jayson Tatum during his peak years.
Turner's skill set directly addresses Boston's deficiencies. He is renowned as one of the league's premier rim protectors, having led the NBA in blocks twice, and also provides valuable floor spacing as a reliable three-point shooter for his position. This dual-threat ability is something the Celtics have sorely missed. The team's defensive rebounding has been a particular concern, ranking a dismal 20th in the league with a 70.2% defensive rebounding percentage. Turner's presence would immediately bolster that area.
At 29 years old, Turner also aligns perfectly with Boston's competitive timeline. He could provide stability for the next three to four years, offering a long-term solution rather than another short-term rental.
The Proposed Trade Framework
NBA insiders are buzzing about a specific trade structure that could make this deal a reality. The proposed framework would see the Boston Celtics send Anfernee Simons, Josh Minott, a 2026 second-round pick, and a top-three protected 2031 first-round pick to the Milwaukee Bucks. In return, Boston would receive the services of Myles Turner.
The financial aspects of this deal are significant. Turner is under a contract paying him more than $25 million per season through the 2028-29 campaign. This salary is offset by the expiring contract of Anfernee Simons, which would provide Milwaukee with much-needed financial flexibility. For Bucks GM Jon Horst, the trade delivers immediate scoring help on the wing and valuable future draft assets, which could be crucial if the team decides to rebuild around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Analyzing the Impact for Both Franchises
For the Boston Celtics, this trade is about filling a glaring hole. They would gain a dependable interior defender who can also stretch the floor on offense—a rare and coveted combination. In Boston's offensive system, which often creates better spacing, Turner could find more open looks than he did in Milwaukee. His playoff experience would be invaluable for a team with title-or-bust expectations.
The Milwaukee Bucks, on the other hand, would be moving on from the Turner experiment, which never fully meshed with their defensive schemes. In Simons, they acquire a dynamic scorer who can light up the scoreboard. The included draft picks also give them optionality for future trades or a potential roster reshuffle.
Here’s a quick look at Myles Turner's recent performance:
2024-25 Season (MIL): 12.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 38% 3PT, 58% TS
Career Averages: 13.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.2 BPG, 35% 3PT, 59% TS
2023-24 Season (IND): 17.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.9 BPG, 36% 3PT, 61% TS
Who Stands to Benefit More?
This trade involves calculated risks for both sides. Boston commits to a long-term salary and parts with a future first-round pick, but the on-court fit is undeniably excellent. Milwaukee sacrifices size and interior defense in the immediate term but gains scoring punch and future assets. Overall, the scales seem to tip in favor of the Boston Celtics, as they would be acquiring a proven, starting-caliber center to plug into a roster that is built to win a championship now. This move could be the final piece of the puzzle for their title ambitions.
