Boston Celtics: 3 players Cs could target using trade exception

With their newly acquired trade exception from the Charlotte Hornets, the Boston Celtics could be in the market for some quality talent currently on the block.

Though the perception at first was that the Boston Celtics lost Gordon Hayward for nothing in free agency, this has recently proven to be a false narrative, as the Charlotte Hornets had to engage in a sign-and-trade to make the acquisition work.

With this exchange, the shamrocks have received the luxury of a $27.9 million trade-exception, the largest in NBA history.

What this means is Boston can utilize this trade exception as a way to add on a player up to that established amount of money via trade without it negatively affecting their cap situation.

Though the Cs have been conservative thus far into the NBA’s trade season, this move could ignite a barrage of deals the franchise could take part in in the coming days, weeks, and/ or months.

Today, the Houdini presents to you 3 specific players the Boston Celtics should consider targeting with their newly acquired exception:

Player to target using trade exception No. 1) John Collins, Atlanta Hawks

Bringing on John Collins would be an absolute gem for this Boston Celtics rotation, as he could fit the bill within the starting lineup as either a power forward or a center.

The idea of the Cs targeting Collins is nothing new to us here at Hardwood Houdini, as we have gone about saying his services would be worth pursuing quite a few times in the past.

Frankly, the argument is exactly the same as to why he would be a fantastic addition to this team.

During the 2019-20 season, the big man averaged 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game on 58 percent shooting from the floor and 40 percent shooting from deep.

According to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, while Collins has been quite a solid contributor for the Atlanta Hawks over his first three seasons in the league, the two parties may be far apart on contract extension talks and, thus, might look to cut their losses via trade should an agreement not be reached:

"The bouncy big man is extension-eligible this offseason, and the Hawks are hesitant to give him “significant money,” per The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner. If Boston doesn’t mind biting that bullet, it adds a rim-protector, floor-spacer and screen-setter on the same timeline as Tatum and Brown."

Add in the fact that the Atlanta Hawks dropped substantial money on both Danilo Gallinari & Bogdan Bogdanovic and recently drafted Onyeka Okongwu (a player of the same position) with their sixth overall selection, and the big man has seemingly never been as expendable as he is right now.

John Collins could easily prove to be that highly coveted addition within the C’s frontcourt rotation if acquired.

Fitting the bill both in stature (6-9, 235-pounds) and play style (athletic stretch big who thrives on the boards and can defend the rim) of what Brad Stevens typically looks for in the five, the third-year talent would very likely thrive running in Boston’s scheme.