The Boston Celtics could look to make some trades this season, and the Houdini believes there to be 3 specific teams they could engage in talks with.
Though it has been hard for the Boston Celtics to literally take steps forward this season, as they’ve already had three games canceled in the past week due to COVID-19 related issues, we here at HH have continued to have our sights set on the future, looking for ways in which the team can better position themselves for a run at glory come the postseason.
Prior to their recent postponements, through 10 games the shamrocks were off to a hot start to 2020-21, boasting a record of 7-3, were in the midst of a four-game winning streak, and, in turn, are currently slotted in the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference standings.
However, though the likes of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have been killing it for the Cs, there are still a few areas on the roster that could use for some extra bolstering.
Because of this, at some point down the road, Danny Ainge could look to add more firepower to the team through various means.
Should they opt to go down the trading route, there are 3 specific teams the Boston Celtics may want to engage in talks with:
Boston Celtics trade partner No. 1) Washington Wizards
When the Washington Wizards traded for Russell Westbrook, many believed the team would be back in the mix for a playoff spot out in the Eastern Conference come the end of the 2020-21 campaign.
11 games in, however, they hold a measly record of 3-8, have their head coach sitting on the hottest of hot seats, and, in turn, the media is now having a field day deciphering what is to come of star Bradley Beal‘s time in the nation’s capital.
Appearing to be on the verge of a fire sale, there are quite a few players that the Celtics could look to acquire in a trade, including guys like Davis Bertans and Beal, both of whom we have discussed the team pursuing on numerous occasions throughout the past year.
Boston Celtics trade partner No. 2) Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are an interesting team, as there are two polar opposite reasons why we believe they could serve as a solid trade partner with the Boston Celtics.
On the one hand, they are coming off of their second-straight postseason appearance and, with their solid start, they look to be interested in making it three in a row.
On the other hand, with the season-ending injury to the seemingly resurged Markelle Fultz, followed by their subsequent three straight losses thereafter (two of which came in blowout fashion) they could also look to a rebuild, as they already have quite a few players in tow that have already been rumored to be on the trading block.
No matter which mindset you believe the team has, we can all agree on one thing: the Magic have some intriguing talents on their roster.
One of the most often linked players from the organization has been center Mo Bamba who, in year three, is still struggling to find playing time and, in theory, could be had for a reletively cheap price.
Aaron Gordon is also a player we have discussed on numerous occasions as a potential target for the Cs, as they could use for a legitimate power forward and, at 25-years-old, could be a great asset in the now as well as moving forward, as he is averaging 14.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on 48 percent shooting from the floor and 36 percent shooting from deep.
Recently, we even talked about how Evan Fournier could even be a buy-low candidate the Boston Celtics should consider pursuing this season, as he would be a guy on an expiring contract who would only help aid in their floor spacing approach, while also giving them the luxury of experimenting with their lineups, as Fournier is big enough to play anywhere from the two to a small-ball four.
There are many suitable assets that could be had from the Orlando Magic and, with this, the Celtics should monitor them closely moving forward.
Boston Celtics trade partner No. 3) Houston Rockets
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Houston Rockets, a team we have seen linked to the Boston Celtics quite often thus far into the season.
Once news broke that James Harden was interested in being traded, it didn’t take much time for the media to jump in and discuss how the superstar could wind up in Beantown — typical, as highly-touted stars rumored to be on the trade block traditionally are linked to the team.
Soon after, reports came out that Harden put the Cs on his preferred destination list and, of course, we then were forced to jump into the mix.
Now, as time has gone by, we believe that dealing for the All-Star guard would be too much of a cost, as it would indefinitely have to include Jaylen Brown, who is a player we would love to see retire with the franchise.
However, with Ainge at the helm, anything is possible and, if he wants Harden, he’ll get him — even if it costs them the rising star.
Another player that we think should be high one Boston’s radar is power forward P.J. Tucker, who is currently in the final year of his contract and could easily be acquired using their TPE.
We at HH are big on the idea of the franchise dealing for the veteran, as he’s one of the toughest guys in the game today, a strong leader, and would be a fine fit in the rotation as a rock-solid 3-and-D four for this championship-aspiring team.
Be it blockbuster or bargain, a deal with the Houston Rockets could be something worth considering.