In possession of a $28.5 million trade exception, the Boston Celtics could theoretically pursue any number of players across the league.
With the preseason now in the rearview, the Boston Celtics set their sights on the 2020-21 regular season, where they come in projected to be a top-5 team in ESPN’s latest rankings.
After coming to within two games of their first NBA Finals appearance in over a decade, the bar has been set reletively high this year for them to replicate or improve upon their success from last season.
Unfortunately, they’ll have to do this with somewhat of a different look, as Gordon Hayward now finds himself logging minutes with the Hornets after an offseason sign-and-trade between Boston and Charlotte.
With this move, however, it blessed the Cs with a record-high $28.5 million trade exception, meaning they could feasibly deal for a player or players with contracts adding up to this number, without giving back the same amount.
Of course, with this TPE the rumor-mill has constantly bee spinning and, recently, NBC Sports Boston published an article that discusses 7 different players the shamrocks could potentially deal for using said exception.
Because of this, it sparked the desire for us at the Houdini to push out yet another installment of our favorite series we call “Pass or Pursue”, where we discuss whether or not the Celtics should sit out on talks for a specific player, or if they should actively try to acquire them.
So, without further adieu, let’s get started:
Potential TPE target for Boston Celtics No. 1) Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings
First up, we discuss the likes of veteran wing and 2014 NBA Champion, Harrison Barnes.
Now entering his second full season with the Sacramento Kings, the 28-year-old is coming off of a 2019-20 campaign where he posted solid averages of 14.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, on 46 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Writer Darren Hartwell’s reasoning behind why the Boston Celtics could consider the idea of adding on Barnes with their TPE is based on the fact that their second unit could use for some added scoring weapons and, being that he has averaged at least 14.5 points per game over the past four straight seasons, he could theoretically “fit the mold.”
However, we here at HH are under the belief that while the forward can be a suitable filler off the bench as well as in a starting role should injuries occur, there are likely better fitting options out there in terms of addressing a position in more need of bolstering as well as someone who, frankly, is just more talented for around the same price.
Verdict: Pass
Potential TPE target for Boston Celtics No. 2) Buddy Hield, Sacramento Kings
We continue our stay within the Sacramento King’s rotation with the 5th-year wing in Buddy Hield.
The 28-year-old is coming off of a stellar season in which he saw averages of 19.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, three assists, and just shy of a steal per game on 43 percent shooting from the floor and 39 percent shooting from deep.
Like many of the players that you’ll be finding on this list, the idea of the Boston Celtics pursuing the likes of Hield is not a new one for us here at HH.
And while we have had varying opinions about whether he’d be a good fit with this team, most recently our perception of such a union took a negative turn, as just over two months ago our very own Don Porcaro Jr penned a piece discussing how the shooting guard was not the type of player to fix the C’s bench struggles like many — including some of us here — have previously believed.
"Do you want more of a reason to say no? Hield operates exclusively from the 3-point line. Averaging almost four 3-pointers made per game, over 50% of his points are from the 3-ball. The Celtics don’t work like that. Look at their starting lineup or even bench. It’s filled with three-way scorers who are also effective in the paint and from mid-range. Hield isn’t that."
Despite some of their losses this offseason, the idea behind how his game really wouldn’t add anything that unique to Boston’s bench remains reletively unchanged, especially with newcomers like Jeff Teague, Payton Pritchard, and the potential Buddy Hield-clone in Aaron Nesmith.
Add in the fact that he’s been just a borderline “3-point specialist” and nothing more — according to Porcaro — and that you’d be paying him a $24 million salary in 2020-21, and you are just bringing on an overpaid guy who would just wind up taking away shots from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Verdict: Pass
Potential TPE target for Boston Celtics No. 3) John Collins, Atlanta Hawks
Like we said, you’re going to be seeing a lot of familiar faces from past HH publications on this list.
John Collins is a guy we like to talk about quite often. Luckily, Hartwell included him within his article, thus giving us yet another excuse to talk about the idea of him joining the Boston Celtics once more.
Citing the fact that the power forward and the Atlanta Hawks are far apart on trade talks, Collins could theoretically find himself available on the trading block, and the Cs should be very interested if this happens:
"Collins apparently is angling for a maximum contract extension, which may be too rich for the Hawks’ blood. The two sides want to make things work, but if next week’s extension deadline passes without a new deal, the Celtics should be very interested. Collins is one of the league’s most talented young big men and would give Boston the legitimate frontcourt scorer it lacked last season."
Earlier this month we discussed how Danny Ainge and co. should strongly using their TPE on Collins is he ever were to become available and, at this moment in time, our reasoning remains completely the same:
"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."
"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."
With all this said, wouldn’t you also agree that John Collins coming to the Boston Celtics would be a fantastic move for the franchise?
Verdict: Pursue without hesitation
Potential TPE target for Boston Celtics No. 4) Dejounte Murray, San Antonio Spurs
Personally speaking, Dejounte Murray is one of the most underrated young players in the game.
Only 24-years-old, the point guard has already established himself as a premier defender and is an improving long-range shooter — shot 37 percent from deep last season — with sound court vision and impressive size for his position (6-4 with a 6-10 wingspan).
Bringing up the C’s need for bolstering their depth behind Kemba Walker at the one, the article states that, should San Antonio become sellers at some point this season, Murray could be a great grab for the franchise:
"Ainge should give general manager Brian Wright a call, as Boston could use a backup to Kemba Walker who has more experience than rookie Payton Pritchard but more gas left in the tank than veteran Jeff Teague. Murray, a well-rounded point guard who received a couple NBA All-Defensive team votes last season, would certainly fit that bill."
The former 29th overall pick in 2016, Murray has been through many ups and downs throughout his four-year stint in the league, ranging from an All-Defensive Second-Team selection in 2018 to missing the entirety of the 2018-19 season due to a torn right anterior cruciate ligament.
Despite this roller coaster of a young career, the Washington product managed to turn 2019-20 into his best season yet.
Playing in 66 games, the point guard posted solid all-around averages of 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game on 46 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep in 25.6 minutes per game.
Should he become available, I see no reason why the Boston Celtics shouldn’t go after Dejounte Murray, as he’s a promising young talent at a position of great need.
Verdict: Pursue
Potential TPE target for Boston Celtics No. 5) P.J. Tucker, Houston Rockets
One of the toughest guys in the league today, P.J. Tucker is a great 3-and-D player for virtually any championship aspiring ball club.
At only $7.9 million, if the Boston Celtics were to bring on the likes of the veteran wing, they’d not only be utilizing their TPE, but also would leave open about $20 million of the exception to make other moves thereafter should they so choose.
Like we have stated often, Hartwell acknowledges that Tucker may not be the biggest name available on the block, but he is one that can certainly make an impact on a winning ball club:
"Tucker isn’t the sexiest name on this list and wouldn’t necessarily get Boston over the hump on his own. But he’d still be a good fit as a rock-solid power forward who can provide defensive muscle and space the floor with a respectable 3-point shot. Houston might go nuclear if James Harden forces his way out, and Tucker could be a cost-effective trade option for the Celtics, especially if Tristian Thompson’s hamstring continues to act up."
Tucker is the best traditional power forward that is attainable, and he could even find himself starting on this year’s Celtics team right out of the gate with so many injuries to their front line players.
Verdict: Pursue
Potential TPE target for Boston Celtics No. 6) George Hill, Oklahoma City Thunder
Part of the many moves made by the Thunder during the 2020 offseason, George Hill finds himself stranded on a rebuilding team in Oklahoma City.
While he could be utilized by the franchise to help develop some of the team’s young guns such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, many believe that general manager Sam Presti will look to deal Hill in an effort to add to his already illustrious treasure trove of future assets.
Being that the Boston Celtics are seemingly crippled at the one with Kemba Walker expected to miss extended time, the idea of adding the veteran floor general is one that could be perceived as quite intriguing.
Last season while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, George Hill posted averages of 9.4 points, three rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on 52 percent shooting from the field and 46 percent shooting from 3-point range.
With all this in mind, however, while having someone like the 34-year-old in tow would be beneficial for numerous ball clubs looking to contend now, the idea of bringing him on board is a bit redundant at this point with the fact that they already have a savvy veteran in Jeff Teague on the roster.
Had they not signed the former All-Star, this idea would be a no brainer in our eyes. However, they did so their efforts would best be served in finding someone else available on the block.
Verdict: Pass
Potential TPE target for Boston Celtics No. 7) Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic
Last, but certainly not least we have Aaron Gordon, a player we at Hardwood Houdini often talk about coming to the Boston Celtics, most recently saying the Cs should pursue a recently proposed trade by Bleacher Report involving the power forward.
"The idea of acquiring Aaron Gordon has been one in the minds of us here at HH for quite some time now. Just recently, we published an article discussing why we believe Gordon to be a great target for the Boston Celtics using their newly acquired trade exception from the Gordon Hayward sign-and-trade. During the 2019-20 campaign, Gordon posted averages of 14.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 44 percent shooting from the floor. With him in tow, the Boston Celtics would have themselves a fantastic pick & roll player at the four who will draw a defense’s attention whenever he is in the vicinity of the rim, can sky-high for lob passes, and who has also improved upon his 3-point shot since entering the league. Frankly, with Aaron Gordon, this already impressive offense would simply just get even better."
Hartwell went on to state that Gordon could be a sound replacement for Gordon Hayward moving forward:
"Gordon isn’t the best shooter, but he’s ridiculously athletic and could be a solid Gordon Hayward replacement as a versatile stretch forward on the second unit. The time for the Magic to trade him is now — he’s on the penultimate year of his contract — and their asking price should be reasonable after his scoring average dipped last season. Orlando big man Nikola Vucevic is another name to watch should the Magic actually commit to a rebuild and start selling parts."
All in all, this is an easy one for us…