Boston Celtics: 3 deals to make after the James Harden-Nets trade
The Boston Celtics need to have a response to the Brooklyn Nets acquiring James Harden if they want any chance of representing the Eastern Conference in the 2021 NBA Finals.
There could be a potential dynasty in Brooklyn…but only if the Boston Celtics allow the Nets to achieve dynastic status.
The Cs are the team best equipped to take down the new superpower that just formed in Kings County, New York by nature of having two of the top 10 best players in the Eastern Conference.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are legitimate superstars, both averaging over 25 points per game in 2020-21. Together, they have been able to reach the Eastern Conference two out of the last three years…with Kyrie Irving being the lone roadblock to their ascension in the 2019 postseason.
Now, Irving’s super-Nets have seemingly made the dream for banner #18 that much harder, with the path to the finals now much longer.
As my co-editor Mark Nilon pointed out, a move might need to be made to contend moving forward:
"After months of rumors and gossip, it finally happened: Brookly traded for superstar shooting guard James Harden. With this move, the team has perhaps the best big-3 in the entire league in Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving (whenever he returns to the team) and, in turn, are obviously going all-in for the Larry O’Brien trophy. However, Cs fans would love nothing more than to see their favorite franchise rain on Brooklyn’s parade and beat them to the punch by representing the east in the NBA Finals in 2021. Unfortunately, at the moment, Boston does not have the fire-power to match that of the Nets, which could wind up becoming apparent should they go against each other in the postseason down the road. In response to the Harden deal, the shamrocks should look into making some smart and savvy moves to help bolster their roster…"
Here are three deals to do just that:
Why the Boston Celtics do it
The Boston Celtics can boost their frontcourt with the addition of Myles Turner, who is a superior option to everyone currently soaking up minutes for Brad Stevens’ center group. Elfrid Payton could start in Kemba Walker’s absence or could be a fine bench complement as Payton Pritchard’s backup. Alec Burks provides another scoring option off the Boston bench.
Why the Indiana Pacers do it
Indiana can get a nice future-focused haul for dealing Myles Turner away (two future firsts) while also taking on Julius Randle, who can allow Domantas Sabonis to play the more natural 5-spot for him.
Why the New York Knicks do it
New York has been just decent enough in 2020-21 to give fans a glimmer of hope about their short-term outlook. The Knicks thing to do would be to give up draft picks for an aging star on bad knees (Walker) who also happens to be from the Bronx.