The NBA trade deadline is just over two weeks away and the Celtics are one of several teams around the league that could be looking to make some upgrades on the margins. Danny Ainge has held pat despite an up-and-down season since opening night, but he’s made no secret about his aspirations to contend with this group. Despite constructing one of the deepest rosters in the league on paper, the Celtics’ bench has a few holes that could use some attention.
Before we get into specific trade candidates, it’s important first to understand what the Celtics have to work with in the coming weeks when it comes to potential deals. Which players are attainable? Which players aren’t going anywhere? Are there certain kinds of deals that are off limits? What are the team’s long-term goals entering the deadline? Let’s break down the answers to those questions to help sort through the barrage of rumors that will be coming over the next 16 days.
Current payroll
(Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
Celtics
Celtics trade deadline primer: Key needs and considerations ahead of Feb. 7
Basketball-Reference.com
Not going anywhere:
Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, Marcus Morris, Jaylen Brown, Aron Baynes
Overview:
Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum
Joel Embiid
Giannis Antetokounmpo
We’ll consider it, but it better be a nice upgrade
Daniel Theis:
Terry Rozier:
Cheap deals that probably are worth more to Celtics than to most other teams
Semi Ojeleye:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Ben Simmons
Robert Williams:
Anthony Davis
Throw-ins/salary filler
Guerschon Yabusele:
Brad Wanamaker:
Jabari Bird:
Non-player assets
Kings top-1 protected first round pick:
Grizzlies 2019 top-8 protected first round pick:
Clippers 2019 top-14 protected first round pick:
Celtics own first round picks (2019-2024)
Celtics own second round picks (2020-2024)
Celtics needs at the trade deadline
Bench shooting:
Third point guard:
Shane Larkin
A shot creator:
Team considerations at the trade deadline
Maintaining assets for Anthony Davis derby:
Avoiding taking on any sizable future salary:
Maximizing this year’s title run:
In the coming days, I’ll take a closer look at specific Celtic targets that could fit these needs and some creative packages the Celtics could offer
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