NBA trade rumors: Boston Celtics predicted to eye 6-feet-11 Duke sophomore as future Nikola Vucevic filler

Boston Celtics are moving toward an important offseason with Nikola Vučević’s contract set to expire after somewhere down the line. The team still runs through Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but the front office knows it needs a younger, more mobile center to support Neemias Queta going forward, especially once Vucevic grows older and his contract expires.One name that has come up is Duke sophomore Patrick Ngongba II. He fits what Boston needs: a strong, efficient big who does his work near the basket and does not need the ball much. Early projections place him in the late first round, making him a realistic target.Boston Celtics’ frontcourt is in a transition phase. Vučević is still the starter, but his timeline is short. Queta has already shown he can take on a bigger role and looks like the long-term option.Current rotation: • Nikola Vučević: Starting center, contract expires after 2025–26 • Neemias Queta: 7-foot, 248-pound center, viewed as future starter • Luka Garza, Amari Williams: Bench bigs with limited rolesInstead of paying another veteran, Boston is likely to look at the draft for a cheaper solution. Patrick Ngongba II is a 6-foot-11, 250-pound sophomore at Duke. He plays a simple inside game built on strength and timing, not shooting.2025–26 stats: • Points: about 10.2 per game • Rebounds: about 5.8 per game • Blocks: about 1.1 per game • FG%: around 60 percent • 3P%: about 27.6 percent on low attemptsHe scores close to the rim, rebounds, and protects the basket. His style is similar to Queta’s, which makes the fit easy.Patrick Ngongba II is expected to be a late first-round pick in the 2026 draft. Boston has a few options: 1. Use its own late first-round pick 2. Trade up slightly using second-round picks or a role player 3. Wait and react if he drops • Boston selects him between picks 25–28 • Signs him to a rookie deal worth around $3–4 million per yearThis keeps the team flexible with money.- Boston Celtics get a young, cheap center who fits its system and helps after Vučević leaves. The team avoids spending big in free agency.- Queta benefits by not carrying the full load alone and can grow into his role more smoothly.- Ngongba joins a stable team where he can develop without pressure.Pros: • Efficient scorer who does not need many touches • Solid rebounder and rim protector • Low-cost contract • Fits well with QuetaCons: • Limited shooting range • May struggle in switch-heavy defense • Could take time to develop • Might not be the best value at that draft spotAlso read: NBA trade rumors: Atlanta Hawks potentially eyeing $250 million Minnesota Timberwolves superstar in a cracker deal ahead of 2026 offseasonIf Boston takes Ngongba late in the first round, it makes sense. The team fills a future need without spending much and keeps its roster balanced. The result depends on his growth, but the risk is low. This kind of move helps Boston stay steady after Vučević.