Boston Celtics rumors: Buy or sell on 3 recent Cs targets

LaMarcus Aldridge

Finally, the highest-profile target that seems to be linked to the Boston Celtics is the 7x All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge. The former University of Texas Longhorn has yet to play in the Eastern Conference in his career since being drafted in the 2006 NBA Draft lottery.

Could the longtime Trailblazer and Spur finally make his way across the Mississipi River? The answer is likely no.

Most outlets that link Aldridge to the Celtics have been doing so in pursuit of ways to get the San Antonio Spurs back into the playoffs. Not to mention, any deal to bring on the 35-year-old would have to include Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart or Gordon Hayward.

Giving up the franchise point guard (Walker), star sidekick to Tatum (Brown), and the lynchpin of a top-5 defense is a non-starter. Perhaps if San Antonio would be willing to include the #11 pick in such a deal, swapping out Hayward for Aldridge would bring balance to the lineup.

But would he actually bring the Cs closer to banner #18? That is at best questionable. Ainge is not in a position to make questionable moves as he continues to fail to have his team breakthrough for an NBA Finals appearance.

The odds are not high that Boston cashes in a valuable expiring contract on an aging big-man who doesn’t even match up to the Joel Embiid’s and Bam Adebayo’s of the east.

Verdict: Sell