In Bleacher Report’s latest hypothetical trade piece, they explain two ways in which the Boston Celtics could land their solution at the center position.
Another day, another trade concocted in which the Boston Celtics find themselves intertwined.
Typically, we are the ones pushing this narrative — as made evident by the abundance of Gordon Hayward deals penned by my Co-Editor Andrew Hughes — but, of course, it’s simply a fun activity to take part in for virtually every media publication.
Recently, Bleacher Report writer Zach Buckley wrote up an article entitled How Every NBA Team Can Trade Its Worst Contract This Offseason, and, in it, he came up with two scenarios in which the Cs land stability at their weakest position in the starting lineup — the pivot.
For Boston, Hayward’s contract was deemed as the team’s worst, and Buckley went to the traditional route of late which has been shipping the Indiana product back home to play for the Pacers in exchange for Myles Turner. However, the article had its own spin to the plan, seeing Marcus Smart going with the forward and, in turn, having All-Star guard Victor Oladipo coming to Beantown as well.
His reasoning as to why this idea would be beneficial for the Celtics read as follows:
"Oladipo is down to his final season under contract and might seek a path out of the Circle City before then, per The Athletic’s Jared Weiss. If Oladipo can get healthy after his quad injury, he could replace both Smart’s tenacious defense and Hayward’s shot-creation, all while giving Boston four legitimate closing options in him, Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown.Turner sits a tier or two beneath stardom, but he could feel like that caliber of acquisition given the massive upgrade he’d offer the frontcourt. His 6’11”, 250-pound frame would give Boston a physical answer for Bam Adebayo, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis and Nikola Jokic, and Turner wouldn’t even spoil the offense’s spacing since he’s a career 35.7 percent splasher from distance."
Buckley also concocted a scenario where the Boston Celtics facilitate a trade with the Atlanta Hawks to help them get rid of their proclaimed worst contract in Clint Capela. The idea is, in exchange for the big man, Danny Ainge and co. would ship over a package of Romeo Langford, Daniel Theis, Enes Kanter, and 2020’s No. 14 pick.
"The Hawks wouldn’t abandon hope of competing for the 2021 playoffs here, as they potentially add four rotation players. But the top prizes are the 21-year-old Langford and the draft pick, which would be their second of the lottery. This should further brighten the future, plus it makes it easier to commit to John Collins, which feels like a no-brainer when he’s 23 years old and getting 20-point, 10-board double-doubles in his sleep.The Celtics, meanwhile, would decide they are one big man—more specifically, one Capela (whom they discussed at the deadline, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski)—away from a title. They could still liberally switch assignments on defense, he’d add muscle in the middle and the offense would benefit from having a more reliable vertical spacer than Robert Williams III. Boston would also increase its offseason flexibility by thinning out its crowded roster."
This is not the first time we’ve seen the likes of Clint Capela’s name linked to the shamrocks. At this past deadline, it was reported that the Boston Celtics and, Capela’s then team, the Houston Rockets were engaged in trade talks but, ultimately, pulled out.
While the 26-year-old is, in fact, a fine player, he holds no real upgrade in regard to skill-set over someone like Robert Williams III and, to some, may even be seen as somewhat of a downgrade from the likes of Daniel Theis.
Add in the fact that players such as Jalen Smith and Precious Achiuwa — both in possession of similar skills to the Hawks big plus highly coveted floor-spacing abilities — are likely to be found at the No. 14 selection, and you have the opportunity to add someone that fits what the Celtics like to run even better than Clint Capela.
While the first trade idea Buckley concocted is upsetting given the fact that we lose Marcus Smart in the process, getting back an All-Star (when healthy) is always a nice way to soften any blow. The second trade we mentioned involving Capela, however… well, that should not be remotely considered in reality.