Boston Celtics: 4 defense-first targets for Danny Ainge to pursue

David Nwaba

The Houston Rockets are a team with an uncertain identity following the James Harden trade.

You see, usually, trading away a franchise star who single-handedly buoyed the offense for about 90% of the time he spent on the court is a move that signals a rebuild is imminent. The thing is, the Rockets traded away several first-round draft picks in swapping Chris Paul for Russell Westbrook last summer, effectively losing control of their own picks.

That could eliminate the need to tank, but Houston would be wise to collect any value they can on veteran free agents still on the roster.

Nwaba has been known league-wide as a sturdy defender throughout the five years he has spent on five different rosters in his NBA journey. Currently averaging just over a steal and just under a block per game, he could bring a defensive spark to the Boston Celtics bench, and his $1.8 million salary makes him an easy trade target to match salaries with.

Frank Ntilikina

The New York Knicks still have not found a suitable role for Frank Ntilikina this season, appearing in just four games and averaging ten minutes per contest.

After being drafted in 2017, the French prospect has floundered in a Knicks rotation that has been managed by several different head coaches. Neither Jeff Hornacek, David Fizdale, Mike Miller or Tom Thibodeau found a way to turn the “French Prince” into a consistent contributor.

Perhaps his trade value is low enough to where Danny Ainge can find a way to see if Brad Stevens can.