Neemias Queta still remembers the day. The workout at the team facility he finished. The trip home. And the call back he received to hear unexpected news that the Sacramento Kings released him.
The Kings had just signed him to a two-year contract the month prior, but reversed course when veteran center JaVale McGee became available.
“It changed everything,” Queta said on Friday after facing his former Kings team. “I think that day, I was working out there, and later on they told me they were gonna move on from me and in a different direction. It’s tough. You go through it. You’re trying to figure out your next step and I’m really happy that Boston stepped up and I’m glad I’m happy where I’m at.”
Queta spent most of his first two seasons with Sacramento’s G-League affiliate, leaving him with little NBA experience to pitch to the open market at 24. He ended 2022-23 as a defensive player of the year and a G-League MVP finalist, but only received interest from Memphis and a two-way contract from the Celtics. He didn’t hesitate and went to Boston, having little time to worry about the slight because he needed to pick up and move quickly. Packing always takes a long time for Queta, he acknowledged. When he finished, he joined a championship core as their final offseason move shortly before training camp. Queta became a preseason revelation, earned an NBA contract later that season and emerged as a depth contributor the following season through injuries.
Now, he’s become one of the league’s most consistent starters following various offseason departures, and should remain a staple at center to finish this season even after Boston acquired Bulls big Nikola Vučević on Tuesday. The Celtics seemingly needed a proven, more expensive center that resembled their previous ones following Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet’s offseason departures. Instead, Queta fared best out of those four, averaging 10.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 63.6% from the field. Now, the Vučević trade more closely resembles salary and luxury tax relief from Anfernee Simons’ contract while adding another reliable depth option alongside Queta than it does bringing in Queta’s replacement. The lack of urgency to do so allowed Boston to give up a second-rounder with Simons rather than a first, and the organization felt internally they needed an extra big man more than an additional guard.
That hasn’t felt like the case since Queta has only missed three games this season, and with Luka Garza and Josh Minott, two other minimum salary players, and inexperienced prospects Hugo González, Jordan Walsh and Amari Williams, they all proved productive enough to lead the front court to a top-three start in the East through the first 50 games. Yet they missed him when he did sit, posting a +3.3 net rating compared to a +11.2 when he played. Even before Vučević’s arrival, Queta knew how fleeting that success could prove, and he played like it.
“I don’t think there’s a moment where I don’t think about it,” Queta said of his ascension to starting at center in Boston. “I’m always appreciative of the opportunity. It’s not any franchise, it’s the Boston Celtics. It’s the biggest franchise in the NBA, we’ve been here for so long, the winningest too. I try not to, because I’ve gotta play a game every other day and you can’t be thinking about it like that. Otherwise, you start playing tentative and you start thinking about other stuff. That’s the best thing I do is play basketball. At the end of the day, I’m a starting center for the Celtics, it’s a great benefit, it’s a great privilege, but still, I gotta play basketball and deliver on the court. That’s the main focus.”
The Celtics signed Queta to a three-year contract that runs through next season at $2.7 million. Queta also has a team option Boston could decline to agree to a new, long-term contract with him. The Celtics could’ve utilized the team’s projected mid-level exception ($15.1M) and other new-found flexibility from diving below the tax apron lines to pad their center depth while waiting, but they reportedly began that process earlier this season when they offered Simons, a first round pick and future pick swap for Clippers center Ivica Zubac, who made $18 million this season, $20 million in 2027 and $21 million in 2028 with no options. Boston also checked in on Jaren Jackson Jr., a star big man who signed a five-year, $205 million extension before Memphis traded him to Utah on Tuesday. The Celtics clearly wanted to get ahead of a weaker upcoming free agency class, and settled for a veteran center on an expiring, cheaper contract than Simons. They can now use his Bird Rights to potentially keep him on a cheaper, veteran’s contract. It’s no long-term solution, and that could be fine given the franchise’s success stories developing Queta, Garza and others in recent seasons.
Garza wasn’t perfect as Queta’s reserve, and he fell out of Boston’s rotation for roughly one month earlier this year. Then, he re-emerged into the new year with strong defense, a quicker nose to the boards and a three-point shot that leads the league among centers with at least 63 attempts (47.6%). Vučević feels like a way to more reliably fill that role. Minott and Walsh, like Garza, ascended to significant roles before falling back to the bench. Williams has been used situationally since his emergence from the G-League last week. It’s easy to see why that alongside spot González minutes at center in small ball looks might not have proven sustainable, even if it did lead to a comeback double overtime win in Brooklyn last month after Queta and Garza fouled out.
And when Queta struggled through illness and missed last Wednesday’s game against the Hawks, Boston nearly lost to the Nets, then fell to Chicago the next night when he came off the bench and fell 117-106 to Atlanta while he rested. Vučević can now fit into a significant role on those nights for the rest of the season rather than Williams or González. His three-point shooting and legitimate gravity deep behind the line also makes him a compelling complement for Jaylen Brown and eventually Jayson Tatum. The Celtics can also play Queta, Vučević and Garza together due to the latter pair’s shooting, returning double-big looks to their dynamic after losing that look last offseason.
“The best thing about this roster is each guy’s ability to impact winning in different ways,” Joe Mazzulla said of the Celtics’ center depth on Sunday. “So it can happen whether you start, whether you come off the bench, whether you play five minutes, 20 minutes, every guy on this roster has helped us win a game, possessions, end of quarters, start of quarters and to me, that’s the most important thing, making sure we have guys that have an understanding and are validated in what they do gives us a chance to win every night. You gotta do it at your best.”
In Queta’s revenge game against Sacramento last week, he cruised to 10 points and 15 rebounds with three steals and a block on 4-for-11 shooting. The ascending Kings he played with in 2022-23 barely had any players left in Boston as they sunk further into the lottery, Domantas Sabonis sitting out injured and De’Aaron Fox sent to San Antonio last season. Queta’s former 2021 Summer League championship teammate Davion Mitchell plays in Miami now, Malik Monk’s time with the team feels limited and Keon Ellis went to Cleveland the following day in the De’Andre Hunter trade. The team dismantling its first playoff core in 16 years began with Mike Brown’s stunning firing in December 2024.
By then, Queta established himself in Boston as a steady contributor through Porziņģis’ absence early last season. And the Kings already felt some regret.
“We would be sitting in the area where the hot tub, cold tub (are), and just talking about life, about basketball, about how he can improve and the things he can do to impact basketball,” Doug Christie said. “To watch him have the success that he’s had has been really exciting to watch, I’m super proud of him. I know that he wants to be really good and his approach to the game has always been great when he was around me … he’s got the work ethic. Unfortunately, we didn’t keep him, but knowing the length, the rim protection, the athleticism, the effort, the team-work, he’s a good young player and a good kid.”
Brown, who’s now coaching the Knicks, acknowledged earlier this year that the Kings missed Queta after letting him go. Christie, who became Sacramento’s interim head coach following Brown’s firing, saw a lot of talent in him. He called the decision to release Queta as one that was above his pay grade at the time.
The Nets’ head coach Jordi Fernández, who also coached Queta in Sacramento, saw lots of raw potential in him too and praised his approach to development at the time.
Brown praised Queta’s defense and expressed some confusion when a reporter called him Neemias.
“Man, just a great human being, extremely fun guy to be around. Explosive, athletic, agile, vertical threat, runs well, big body, he’s gonna protect the paint,” he said. “Just a good young player and we missed him a lot when I was in Sacramento and he wasn’t there.”
Here’s what else happened around the NBA this week…
Atlanta (25-27): Kristaps Porziņģis did not return to Boston last week when the Hawks stunned the Celtics, as he continues to recover from an Achilles injury that’s forced him to miss 13 straight games into the new year. Porziņģis did not receive a video tribute and it’s hard to imagine him remaining with the Hawks beyond Thursday’s Trade Deadline playing on his expiring contract (he was traded to the Warriors on Wednesday), though Quin Snyder praised his impact before the game and exclaimed how much better Atlanta plays with Porziņģis in the lineup. The Hawks began the deadline week early, dealing wing Vít Krejčí for Blazers big Duop Reath. Atlanta received the two second-rounders in the deal that the Celtics originally were expected to acquire in the Jrue Holiday trade.
Boston (32-18): Jayson Tatum is reportedly re-evaluating whether he’ll return from his Achilles tear this season, according to Chris Haynes. Tatum appeared on the Pivot Podcast earlier last month and explained that in the prior weeks, he wondered what fitting back into a successful team that’s formed a successful identity looks like and for the first time, questioned whether he should come back this season. Haynes listed multiple factors in Tatum’s potential change in direction, but Haynes and later Joe Mazzulla stressed that no decision has been made yet in either direction. Tatum also referenced returning around the 50-60 game mark if he did this season, which begins on Tuesday in Dallas, where the Celtics begin a back-to-back against the Mavs and Rockets ahead of Thursday’s deadline. Boston traded Anfernee Simons and their Pelicans second-round pick, currently No. 32 overall, for Nikola Vučević and a 2027 Nuggets second. They had previously rejected the Bulls’ offer of Vučević for Simons and a first, according to Michael Scotto. Scotto added that the Celtics could explore the trade market for sparsely used bigs Chris Boucher and Xavier Tillman. Boucher sat out Tuesday’s win in Dallas for personal reasons. Boston saved roughly $6 million in salary and $22 million in luxury tax this year by moving Simons. Vučević is also an expiring $21.5 million salary. Payton Pritchard moved to the bench following the trade and scored 26 points in favor of Baylor Scheierman to balance the Celtics’ lineups.
Sources: Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum (Achilles recovery) is re-evaluating his situation and is now considering sitting out the entire 2025-26 season. Final decision has yet to be determined. pic.twitter.com/Z8CcVjFSIr
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 29, 2026
Brown, Jalen Brunson, Steph Curry, Tyrese Maxey and Cade Cunningham will be joined by Scottie Barnes, Jalen Duren, Jalen Johnson, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Chet Holmgren and LeBron James at the All Star Game for the USA teams against the world. Kawhi Leonard was later added by Adam Silver.
Cleveland (30-21)/Sacramento (12-39): The Cavaliers landed Clippers star James Harden for injury-plagued guard Darius Garland after they traded De’Andre Hunter, their significant deadline addition last season, to the Kings for Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis. The Bulls facilitated the trade by taking on Dario Šarić, waiving Jevon Carter and receiving a pair of second-round picks. Cleveland, who struggled in the first half of the season compared to expectations, saved roughly $50 million in salary and luxury tax payments by offloading Hunter, who regressed from last year and earned $23.3 million this season before the final season on his deal in 2026-27, worth $24.9 million. Schröder signed a three-year, $44.4 million contract with the Kings last offseason that runs through 2027-28 at $14.8 million average annual value. Ellis, 26, is an impending free agent and became a favorite trade target around the league leading up to the deadline, including the Celtics. Washington, Phoenix and Chicago have expressed interest in Kings star Domantas Sabonis. They’re searching for a first-rounder for Sabonis. RJ Barrett and Ochai Agbaji have been discussed in trade talks with Toronto, per Scotto, with Sacramento resistant to taking on Jakob Poeltl or Immanuel Quickley’s deals. The Cavs visit the Clippers on Wednesday night at 10:30 EST.
Dallas (19-31): Losers of five straight and 3.5 games behind the Blazers for the final postseason spot in the West after Tuesday’s loss against the Celtics. Cooper Flagg scored 36 points with nine rebounds and six assists against the Boston team he grew up rooting for. With Anthony Davis (hand) still out, some within the organization favor moving him for expiring contracts to gain additional flexibility this offseason, according to ESPN. Davis still reportedly prefers to stay in Dallas, though the Mavs are welcoming trade interest in Davis, Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell. They don’t want to move on from Naji Marshall, who the Celtics reportedly checked in on, and Max Christie. Meanwhile, Klutch’s Rich Paul continues to angle for an extension for Davis, who’s playing on a three-year, $175.4 million contract.
Houston (31-17): Have won 7-of-10 but Kevin Durant’s (ankle) status is up in the air ahead of their rematch with the Celtics on Wednesday following Houston’s 128-101 blowout win in Boston earlier this season. Durant sat out at Indiana on Monday after stepping on a fan’s foot and the team announced Steven Adams (ankle) underwent season-ending surgery and will miss the rest of the season. He’s listed as probable on Wednesday. The Rockets have openly expressed interest in padding their big man depth ahead of the trade deadline, with Ime Udoka saying he’ll utilize Clint Capela and more small-ball lineups in the meantime.
Clippers (23-26): James Harden’s time with the Clippers ended after less than three seasons despite the Clippers re-entering the postseason mix in the West as the nine seed following wins in 7-of-10. LA traded him to Cleveland due in large part to his contract situation, needing an extension ahead of his player option this summer. Shams Charania reported that Harden and the Clippers were exploring deals ahead of Thursday’s deadline after Harden returned to Phoenix and sat out the last two Clippers games for personal reasons. The Clippers and Cavaliers executed a Harden for Darius Garland swap ahead of his $42.3 million player option this offseason. Harden’s two-year contract gave him an implicit no-trade clause, which he waived. Garland (foot) hadn’t played for Cleveland since Jan. 14. Ty Lue did not comment on trade discussions prior to the deal, but said Harden means a lot to the franchise. Harden later told ESPN he did not ask to be traded and expressed appreciation for his time in LA.
“I wanted them to actually have a chance to rebuild and get some draft capital,” Harden said. “I see an opportunity to win in the East. They got a very good team, coaching staff, all of the above. So as much as I wanted to stay in L.A. and give it a go, I’ve never won one before. As a basketball mind, I think we have a bit better chance.”
Memphis (19-29)/Utah (16-35): The Grizzlies began their rebuild ahead of the trade deadline by sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Jazz alongside John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three first round picks from Utah. The move became the first step in the Jazz’ pivot toward winning under Austin Ainge and Will Hardy while Memphis tied the Nets and Thunder with 13 future first-rounders from the Jackson and Desmond Bane trades.
Milwaukee (19-29): Giannis Antetokounmpo reportedly informed the Bucks that the time has come for he and the team to part ways, and the team began engaging suitors for the first time. That group reportedly includes the Heat, Warriors, Timberwolves and Knicks, with the last two limited from a cap and draft pick perspective. Zach Lowe indicated that it’s still unlikely that Antetokounmpo moves before the deadline, and it’s possible they could shut him down for the season with a calf injury and assess their draft pick and options to improve in the summer. Nonetheless, ESPN reported that Milwaukee began submitting counteroffers to suitors this week. The Bucks are seeking a young blue chip prospect and/or a surplus of draft picks, per Charania.
New York (32-18): Despite noise surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns’ future, it’s unlikely New York acquires Giannis Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline, according to Brian Windhorst. Milwaukee and New York discussed an Antetokounmpo trade last summer, and Antetokounmpo’s interest in New York remained into this season. Windhorst said that the Knicks believe in their team, though their limited draft pick arsenal only allows them to offer Milwaukee three future pick swaps, making their offer uncompetitive with Golden State’s and others.
Philadelphia (29-21): The NBA suspended Paul George for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. The 76ers star began serving his suspension on Saturday and will remain out until Mar. 25 when Philadelphia has 10 games left in the regular season. George blamed a drug he used to address a mental health issue in a statement, accepted responsibility and apologized to the Sixers. The suspension derailed a second straight season after George signed a four-year, $212 million contract to leave the Clippers for Philadelphia. He missed most of his first season and the start of his second with injuries. George averaged 16.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG and 3.7 APG on 42.4% shooting (38.2% 3PT) through his first 27 games back from offseason surgery.
San Antonio (33-16): Victor Wembanyama will lead the world team in the All Star Game tournament alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and a fifth starter who will replace injured Giannis Antetokounmpo. The world reserves will also include Pascal Siakam, Jamal Murray, Deni Avdija, and also potentially Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell and Norman Powell, who have all represented other countries internationally or expressed interest in playing for the world team. The world team currently has three more players than the USA teams need, which could set up Towns, Mitchell and Powell to play with the US, depending on Antetokounmpo’s replacement.
