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Boston Celtics: “Pass or Pursue” on 3 recently buzzed about trade targets

By Mark Nilon

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 15: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on January 15, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 15: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on January 15, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Buzzed about Boston Celtics target No. 3) LaMarcus Aldridge

The biggest name found heading to the Boston Celtics within Greg Swartz’s hypothetical trade scenarios piece is the 14th-year-veteran LaMarcus Aldridge.

Playing in his fifth season with the San Antonio Spurs, the 7x All-Star found himself posting Aldridge-esque averages of 18.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game on 49 percent shooting from the floor and 39 percent shooting from deep.

A big reason why Bleacher Report suggested the Cs could pursue the veteran power forward was due to their belief that he would “be a huge upgrade over Daniel Theis at center and bring nine years of playoff experience” to the team.

While we have acknowledged the fact that Aldridge is still a very good player in the NBA, this statement can only be categorized with one polarizing proclamation: fake news.

Despite the fact that we oft find ourselves talking about how Boston needs to improve their center rotation, we also give credit where credit is due in regard to how well Theis has played in his first year as a starter.

Through 65 games played, the third-year pro posted a solid stat-line of 9.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game on 57 percent shooting from the floor. Placing behind just Rudy Gobert in real defensive plus-minus, Theis proved to be, not just one of the best defenders in the entire league but, also, one of the most underrated centers.

Perhaps Mr. Swartz has fallen in line with the path of valuing name over play.

Yes, there’s no mistaking that LaMarcus Aldridge would be a solid addition to this Boston Celtics squad but, frankly, not at the cost in which it would likely take to land him.

One can bring up his “expiring contract” as a reason for why it could be seen as a “low risk” scenario for the franchise but, in all likelihood, any realistic trade Danny Ainge should accept would need to include Gordon Hayward being shipped off and, in all honesty, he fits this rotation and playstyle far better than Aldridge would.

The idea of Beantown landing LaMarcus is a mere hypothetical. Let’s hope it stays that way.

Verdict: Pass

Next. 3 high-impact free agents Cs must pursue. dark