Boston Celtics: “Pass or pursue” on 3 recently rumored trade targets
By Mark Nilon
Rumored Trade Target No. 1) Patty Mills
First up on our list, we have the sharpshooting, championship-pedigreed Patty Mills. Currently in his 11th season in the NBA — ninth with the San Antonio Spurs — the point guard finds himself in the midst of yet another sound season as a pro.
Through 63 outings, Mills has managed to accumulate solid averages of 11.7 points, 1.8 assists, and just under a steal per game on 43 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from deep. The long-range specialist has been a valuable offensive weapon for the Spurs coming off the pine seemingly since the moment he landed in San Antonio, and 2019-20 has proven to be no different.
In the B/R piece, Buckley went on to state his main reason as to why the Boston Celtics could pursue the 31-year-old during this upcoming offseason, stating:
"The C’s have a quiet need for more scoring and shooting behind their top guns. Mills, who might be available if the San Antonio Spurs take the rebuilding road, can slot in as a sniping specialist with a 38.9 percent career connection rate from range."
This analysis is quite accurate. The shamrocks’ second unit finds themselves ranked 29th in the league in points per game, 27th in 3-point percentage, and 22nd in offensive rating.
That said, even with this, would it really be that worth it to move assets to acquire a man who, though obviously he has proven to be a valuable commodity, could prove to be just as valuable as free agent MLE candidates such as a Jeff Teague or even one of the talents in this upcoming draft class?
The way we see it, signing a guy like Teague — something we’ve discussed in the past — to a contract around the $5-$7 million range or nabbing an offensive-minded draft prospect such as a Jahmi’us Ramsey or an Aaron Nesmith might be more desirable of a path than giving up assets — most likely including a draft pick — to bring on Mills and his $13 million contract for next season.