Rumors: Boston Celtics Interested in Khris Middleton

Rumors are the Boston Celtics are interested in trading for Khris Middleton

The trade rumours keep piling up for the Boston Celtics, and according to CBS Boston it appears as though Kris Middleton may be one of their targets, in exchange for the third overall pick and a contract. If the second player were truly only a salary dump, then it would be Amir Johnson, as the only player getting paid more than $8 million.

It appears as though there has been little progress made towards actually getting a deal done, but Middleton is an intriguing target for the Celtics. Fans may have been hoping for a more developed NBA star, but Middleton has a lot to offer a team that desperately needs scorers.

Most importantly, the Celtics’ offense needs three point shooting and Middleton would have a massive impact in that area. A career 40% three point shooter has already proven that he can bring some of the shooting that they desperately need, and that can’t be said about anyone they are drafting at number three, at least not yet.

Middleton had a breakout season last year, proving that he can handle a high volume of shooting without giving up any of his efficiency. Middleton blossomed as a scorer and as a passer. A career high 18.1 points per game was accompanied by a career high 4.2 assists per game. Middleton is starting to demonstrate what he is capable of as a play maker, and that is exactly what the Celtics are looking for to get their offense the improvements it needs.

Middleton’s size also gives him the versatility to help the Celtics in multiple areas. The Celtics have been looking for a three point shooting wing player and they can get that from someone who has the size to play the 3 or even the 4 in small ball lineups.

The Celtics’ offense needs players like Middleton in order to be able to compete with the best in the league, but they also need to make sure they maintain their defense. If trading for Middleton also means losing Avery Bradley, then it may be wise to stick to drafting. Bradley may not have the play making ability but he has the three point shooting and is one of the best defenders in the league.

Middleton has the potential to be much more impactful to the offense, but his overall impact on the team may not be as important as Bradley’s. The Celtics would only give up Bradley if they have no intentions of resigning him after this season as Middleton has multiple years on an incredible contract.

That being said, the Celtics may lose Evan Turner this offseason and having Middleton come in as a play maker instead of him could transform their offense. Middleton’s ability to score has no limitations, while Turner has to remain in very particular areas to be effective.

Middleton shoots over 40% from everyone on the floor on his career, and has been extremely effective finishing 60% at the rim. Stevens will be able to fully utilize Middleton’s skill set and make sure that the offense functions in a way that gets him opportunities. The Celtics generate a lot of opportunities with their pace and ball movement and that should allow Middleton to flourish.

Isaiah Thomas‘ comfort and proven distributing abilities in the offense should keep him as the primary ball handler, but the Celtics will have so many ways of attacking with Middleton, and Thomas should be there to set him up properly.

While Middleton has been a suspect defender in his short career, he has proven that he can generate steals. With 1.7 steals per game last season, Middleton has found a way to have an impact on that end. Given how much the Celtics depend on turnovers, he may not be as much of a defensive liability as other numbers may suggest. His size alone will be used by Stevens and he can always play alongside standout defensive guards on the Celtics.

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Middleton has already proven enough for the Celtics to know that he will immediately make them a much better offensive team. At just 24 years old, his potential to grow and develop with Brad Stevens could make him one of the most important pieces towards contending for a championship.