Locked On Celtics – December 4, 2025

Should Celtics GO FOR IT on trade market? | NBA Cup NEEDS FIXING

Episode Overview

Host John Karalis, joined by guest Tom Westerholm, explores whether the Boston Celtics should “go for it” in the trade market as the unofficial start of trade season approaches. They also dissect the flaws and impacts of the NBA Cup schedule—with particular ire for how the condensed calendar is overworking players. The conversation is laced with classic Celtics humor, candid analysis, and the rapport of two insiders closely covering the team.

Main Theme: The Crossroads—Celtics Approach to Trades & NBA Cup Fallout

• The Celtics are positioned at a pivotal moment with assets and an open Eastern Conference.
• NBA Cup scheduling and its impact on player workload and injuries is under the microscope.
• Trade options—including rumored targets like Ivica Zubac—are weighed against the risk of overextending.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. JAYLEN BROWN NEEDS REST: The Scheduling "Mess"

• Celtics’ Injury Report: Jaylen Brown is doubtful for the upcoming Wizards game (03:28). John argues it’s “the perfect time to get a break.”
• Rationale for Rest: The early season has seen two stretches of 3 games in 4 nights and 5 games in 7 nights—very unusual for this early, given the NBA Cup’s schedule compression.
  • “It’s a wonder why all these guys are getting hurt at the beginning of the season.” – John Karalis (05:30)
• NBA Scheduling Critique: Tom calls it “a mess,” highlighting the contradiction in resting policy vs. schedule density.
  • “NBA is like levying fines…for resting guys…but if you’re the Celtics, I’m gonna rest guys because I’m playing the Wizards the night before.” – Tom Westerholm (06:08–08:29)

Notable Quote

“All of your value comes from your players… and you’re running them into the ground in December. That’s kind of a wild move. I have a hard time believing the NBA Cup is worth that.”
— Tom Westerholm (07:33)

2. THE NBA CUP: A Fix is Needed

• Lack of Fan and Player Engagement: John and Tom both report negligible buzz around the NBA Cup.
  • “Not one person in the comments said anything…that’s how you know nobody cares about this.” – John Karalis (11:01)
• Comparison to Soccer’s Champions League: Tom points out the NBA could learn from spreading cup events across the season, not cramming them into the schedule.
  • “In the Premier League…the Champions League goes the whole season…there’s no reason the NBA cup has to end this early.” – Tom Westerholm (09:02)
• Celtics Insider Views: John admits he’s covered cup games and “totally forgot” to even mention it.
• Conclusion: Both agree: The NBA must spread out these games or risk more injuries and undercutting value for TV partners and fans alike.
  • “This needs to change. Next year. It needs to change. They need to do something about…Fix it. Fix this schedule.” – John Karalis (12:35)

3. TRADE SEASON: Should the Celtics “Go For It”?

• Current Landscape: The East is wide open; Celtics have assets and flexibility.
  • “The east is just wide, wide open. The Cavs lost to the Blazers… The top seed is the Pistons.” – John Karalis (19:43)
• Rumored Targets: Ivica Zubac, and theoretical interest in players like Anfernee Simons, are discussed as fits for a playoff push.
• Trade Mechanics & Constraints: Salary matching under new CBA rules makes deals harder.
  • “Because it gets complicated. Because with the money and the aprons, it’s not as simple.” – John Karalis (24:45)
• The Case for Swinging Big (Zubac Example):
  • “Going in there with a starting lineup of Jalen, Jason, Payton, Derrick White, and Ivica Zubac. Hello…that’s the best team in the East.” – John Karalis (29:02)
  • “If you have the chance to make a run…really be like, ‘dang, we are the best team in the East now’—take that opportunity.” – Tom Westerholm (32:58)

Notable Quote

“If you have a chance to become the best team in your conference, even if it’s short-lived, take it. Like, yeah, give it a shot.”
— Tom Westerholm (32:46)

4. Caution: Don’t Overextend for “Consolation Prizes”

• Avoiding the “Justice Winslow” Trap: Don’t spend all your picks and assets chasing a player who isn’t a difference-maker.
  • “You don’t need to do more than that this season…you do not have to push it…you don’t want to overextend yourself.” – Tom Westerholm & John Karalis (32:58–34:00)
• Be Patient for a Real Opportunity: If Zubac or a clear upgrade isn’t available, don’t panic—wait for the right deal or revisit in the offseason.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 05:30 | “It’s a wonder why all these guys are getting hurt at the beginning of the season. Everybody’s looking for reasons. The schedule is too condensed at the beginning of the season. That’s why.” | John Karalis | | 07:33 | “All of your value comes from your players.…and you’re running them into the ground in December. That’s kind of a wild move.” | Tom Westerholm | | 11:01 | “Not one person in the comments said anything…that’s how you know nobody cares about this.” | John Karalis | | 12:35 | “This needs to change. Next year. It needs to change. …Fix it. Fix this schedule.” | John Karalis | | 19:43 | “The east is just wide, wide open. The Cavs lost to the Blazers…” | John Karalis | | 29:02 | “Going in there with a starting lineup of Jalen, Jason, Payton, Derrick White, and Ivica Zubac. Hello…that’s the best team in the East.” | John Karalis | | 32:46 | “If you have a chance to become the best team in your conference, even if it’s short-lived, take it.” | Tom Westerholm |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• NBA Schedule & Jaylen Brown Rest: 03:28–06:08
• NBA Cup Critique: 06:08–14:38
• Trade Season & Rumors: 17:52–25:22
• Should the Celtics Go For It?: 29:02–34:00
• Don’t Overextend, Be Patient: 32:13–36:04

Summary Takeaways

• The Celtics are smart to rest players like Jaylen Brown, given the compressed schedule—which they blame on the NBA Cup and poor league planning.
• Neither John nor Tom thinks the NBA Cup has caught on with fans or players; both say the NBA is risking its product and players by overloading the early season.
• The Celtics should pursue a trade for a player like Ivica Zubac if the cost is reasonable, but avoid mortgaging the future for “just another center” or overpaying.
• Patience, discipline, and maintaining flexibility for bigger opportunities either at the trade deadline or in the offseason is the recommended approach.

Closing Remarks

For Celtics fans wondering whether to push the chips in or stay the course, the message is clear: Yes, seize a real opportunity—but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. And as for the NBA Cup? Most, including diehard Boston followers, barely notice it’s there.

“If you can swing a reasonable deal for Zubac, then absolutely, obviously you do that. Don't overextend for him. Don't overextend for like…consolation prize. Don't do that. There's a summer and there's next season and there, there are a lot of things that can break.”
— John Karalis (34:05)