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Trade Deadline Expectations for the Boston Celtics
As true as a Sunday roast, rest assured, the Celtics won’t be pulling off any blockbuster trades akin to the rumoured Luka Doncic-for-Anthony Davis shocker any time soon. Yet, this doesn’t mean all is quiet on the Eastern front. The Boston Celtics are expected to tweak their arsenal as they prepare for a potential playoff surge. You might wonder, what’s all this fuss about their trade antics? Well, allow me to dive right in.
Past Deadline Deals
Ah, the illustrious trade history of the Celtics. Since 2021, Brad Stevens, the maestro of basketball operations, has been conducting an orchestra of deals at the trade deadline. Each year, the Celtics engage in shuffling their cards, if you will. Last season, Lamar Stevens and Delano Banton hopped onto other trains, while the likes of Jaden Springer and Xavier Tillman arrived at the station. Notably, in 2022, they secured Derrick White from San Antonio after sending off players such as Romeo Langford and Josh Richardson, including several draft manoeuvres. Even during Danny Ainge’s last dance, the Celts added Luke Kornet and Evan Fournier to their ranks.
Second Apron Restrictions
Now, the financial restrictions Boston faces can be rather daunting. The Celtics sail well above the second apron of the NBA’s luxury tax, essentially binding their hands and slowing their moves. Picture this: they can’t amalgamate contracts or even send cash over in trades. Alas, limitations abound! They also face restrictions on acquiring buyout players who previously enjoyed generous contracts.
In simple terms, adding more than a fringe player seems rather implausible without parting ways with some of their big names. Yet, there’s always room for a bit of tinkering, like an open 15-man roster spot yet to be filled. The question remains: who will Mr Stevens and company consider for that vacant position?
Internal Trade Candidates
When discussing trade candidates, names float around like confetti at a summer fête. Jaden Springer comes to mind. The lad’s been rather active in recent performances, stirring up the pot with some solid defensive numbers. However, his intensity in minutes played doesn’t quite correlate with his salary, making him a trade candidate should Boston wish to fetch an affordable veteran elsewhere. There’s also the ever-looming reality of luxury tax burdens, one that could see Springer move on in a simple salary dump.
In contrast, we have Xavier Tillman. The chap’s seen minimal action since early in the season. Yet, his low contract could offer flexibility, should Boston wish to play the buyout market. Torrey Craig, previously of Chicago, could be an option there.
Possible Trade Targets
What could the Celtics be searching for when the trade deadline whistles come? Injuries have been a tad more menacing this season, casting a shadow over their solid roster. Head Coach Joe Mazzulla’s had a decent display despite such setbacks. Should they pursue reinforcements, a seasoned wing to support Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, or a back-up scorer, wouldn’t go amiss.
Some names linked with the Celtics bear quite a familiarity. Javonte Green and Daniel Theis from New Orleans, as well as Guerschon Yabusele of the 76ers, have crossed the rumour mill. If Boston seeks bolder aspirations, a run for Walker Kessler, or a potential swap for young Toumani Camara from Portland, could surface. Both would demand significant draft capital, though.
While the Celtics might not steal the thunder at this year’s deadline, the whispers of their moves will certainly spark intrigue among their faithful. The quintessential conundrum: How to strike the fine balance between reinforcing the roster and preserving financial prudence? One only hopes the answer lies in the coming weeks.
Originally Published: February 5, 2025 at 11:36 AM EST
