Boston Celtics: “Pass or pursue” on 3 recently rumored trade targets

Rumored Trade Target No. 3) Joel Embiid

Easily the biggest name found on the trade target list, Joel Embiid’s inclusion in these talks is similar to the reason why we find Collins there: both are seen as talent upgrades to a position that is deemed a weak spot within the Boston Celtics’ rotation.

Arguably the best center in the entire association, Embiid has proven himself to be an absolute beast on the hardwood since his first lick of NBA action during the 2016-17 season. Currently boasting stellar averages of 23.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game on 47 percent shooting from the floor and 35 percent shooting from downtown, the All-Star has managed to help guide his team to a record of 39-26, good enough for sixth in the Eastern Conference and, in turn, a spot within the upcoming Disney bubble.

With post moves reminiscent of Hakeem Olajuwon, an improving jump shot, and solid defensive abilities, having a guy like Embiid down low would easily make a majority of teams around the league more menacing, as it obviously does for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Buckley’s justification for Boston dealing for the seven-footer reads as follows:

"Boston’s big-man collection has exceeded expectations this season, but it remains the weak spot of an otherwise heavyweight contender. Daniel Theis is a good enough fit for the Shamrocks to pass over marginal upgrades, but if they can swing for the fences—if the Philadelphia 76ers dramatically shake things up, Embiid could be squeezed out—they might connect on the missing piece to their championship puzzle. It seems like a long shot that two division rivals would swap major parts, but if the C’s and Sixers can set their feelings aside, they might find the other is most capable of scratching their itch. Embiid would be a fascinating co-star with Jayson Tatum, and Brad Stevens could scheme ways to get the most out of his new big man. A swap might cost Jaylen Brown, but it could be Boston’s best chance to pair two top-10 players."

A sound argument, as it clearly would upgrade the talent at the pivot spot for the shamrocks — no disrespect to Theis — but, we at the Houdini are hesitant of an Embiid deal for two specific reasons: his wonky fit within Stevens’ offense and a reluctance to ship off Jaylen Brown.

Buckley discusses how Stevens can “scheme” around Embiid’s strengths, but why not just simply go after a player who can mesh into how the coach already prefers to run an offense (floor spacing, fast-break opportunities, etc)?

What Embiid excels at is rivaled by few others in the league; in some cases, it’s rivaled by no one. However, what he does best on offense — post-ups, backdowns and bully ball — is not particularly a great fit for how the Celtics like to operate.

Giving up a promising young wing like Brown in exchange for a not-so-perfect fit seems to be a bit too much of an asking price, no matter how good Joel Embiid is.

Call us crazy, but that’s just how we feel!

Verdict: Pass