Celtics trade rumor roundup: Harrison Barnes, John Collins & a Tristan Thompson destination?

The Boston Celtics are in the middle of nearly every trade rumor imaginable at the moment, but it's hard to sift through what makes sense versus what is mostly uniformed speculation.

Here's a look at the latest batch of trade rumors and just how realistic they really are.

Rumor (via Yahoo Sports): "League sources said the Boston Celtics could trade (Tristan Thompson) by the March 25 trade deadline, with the Toronto Raptors being a possible destination."

Reality: It's hard to believe that Thompson would be part of any Norman Powell or OG Anunoby deal, so if there's any reality to this, it's Boston and Toronto swapping centers and Aron Baynes reuniting with the Celtics.

Baynes has struggled in Toronto/Tampa Bay, shooting just 42.2% on the season and 26% on 3-pointers. However, there is some glimmer of hope over his past five games — where he's 5-12 from deep. He could fill the third-string center role behind Daniel Theis and Robert Williams, coming in for 15 minutes and working in a familiar role while giving the Celtics a more bruising option against bigger centers.

He is making $7 million this season, so a straight swap would actually save the C's a little bit of money. He has a $7.3 million non-guaranteed year next season, which Boston could just decline to save the money, or exercise to use as a salary-matching contract for a future deal.

Rumor (also via Yahoo): Aaron Gordon is "open to a change of scenery," but the price tag is high. The Celtics are not mentioned as a potential suitor.

Reality: I bring this up because he's been a target I covet, but it seems as if Orlando's asking price is a non-starter for Boston. They have the contracts to do it without the traded player exception, but those don't seem to be satisfactory for Orlando, so he might be out.

Rumor (via The Athletic): Harrison Barnes might not be as available as people assume. "A combination of late first-round draft picks and young players like the ones wearing green in Boston, it appears, likely wouldn’t be enough to get it done."

Reality: This very well could be posturing; a message to Danny Ainge through the media to up his offer. However, the Kings don't operate in the same sphere as the Celtics. Where some Celtics fans want to fire the coach who helped take three different rosters to the conference finals over the past four years, Kings fans are desperate just to make the playoffs, something they haven't done in 14 years.

While we can look at the Kings and say with some confidence "sell off Barnes and Buddy Hield and build around De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton," they may feel Barnes helps get them to the playoffs soon and build some excitement.

With Barnes under contract for two more seasons after this one, they may feel one more run with him as the veteran leader is worth a shot, and if it fails, they can move him at the next trade deadline without losing much value.

Rumor (also via The Athletic): Boston is among the teams that have shown an interest in Sacramento's Nemanja Bjelica.

Reality: He could be a short-term fit, but if there's competition for him, it could price Boston out of the mix.  He makes $7.1 million, so a straight swap for Tristan Thompson would work, but Sacramento wouldn't really want that. Would the Kings be interested in taking a look at Carsen Edwards? Javonte Green? Semi Ojeleye? Any of those guys can be packaged with Jeff Teague (and the cash to waive Teague) to make a deal work.

It's hard to imagine Boston giving up much more than that. Maybe a second round pick, but that's about it. Bjelica just re-entered the rotation and he's proving that he can still shoot the ball. He's 10-25 (40%) on 3-pointers over his last 11 games. He'd be a helpful stretch-4 on offense, but don't expect Boston to get into any kind of bidding war for him.

Rumor (via Shams Charania): "Another player of interest for the Celtics: Hawks big man John Collins, sources said. Atlanta’s asking price has been steep for Collins, however: A high-level first-round draft pick and/or a talented young player."

Reality: It would be surprising to see Boston really go after Collins. They don't seem to have the assets to really give Atlanta what they want. It really feels like the Hawks are gauging the interest in Collins as he heads into restricted free agency to see if they will get wowed by an offer while figuring out his actual value on the open market. Collins may be moved, but don't be surprised if he stays, either.

Rumor (via HoopsHype): "Some executives around the league who spoke with HoopsHype believe the Boston Celtics could join the mix to acquire (LaMarcus) Aldridge using their $28.5 million trade exception despite Danny Ainge recently suggesting the team will most likely use the exception during the offseason."

Reality: There is no universe in which the Celtics trade for Aldridge. He fits nothing Boston needs from a basketball or financial standpoint.

If he's bought out, then all bets are off. There's no harm in signing anyone on the buyout market to a deal. If it goes south, the player can just be cut.