Boston Celtics trade target No. 3) Nikola Vucevic
Last but certainly not least, we find Nikola Vucevic making his way onto B/R’s trade targets list.
Since the departure of Al Horford two offseason ago, the biggest weak spot within the C’s rotation has been at the pivot. Now, to start the 2020-21 season, though they have the likes of Daniel Theis and Tristan Thompson finding time at the five, it’s evident that, should Boston wish to truly contend for banner No. 18 come year’s end, they’ll want to look to bolster the position.
Without a doubt, Nikola Vucevic would be the type of acquisition that would put this team all in for a championship push. With his level of play this season coupled with his TPE eligible contract, Swartz believes the All-Star big man would be a great fit in Boston’s lineup:
"Assuming the Celtics aren’t ready to hit the panic button on Kemba Walker (although maybe they should be), Boston’s focus should be on the frontcourt. Vucevic would be an upgrade over Tristan Thompson, giving the Celtics a center who can shoot threes and create for others. He’s having a career year (23.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 41.7 percent shooting from three) for a sinking Magic team, and Vucevic’s $26 million salary fits into Boston’s massive trade exception from the Gordon Hayward sign-and-trade."
Listing in a 7-0, 260 pounds, he would easily be the most physically dominant big the franchise has had in quite some time and would be an ideal combatant to the likes of Bam Adebayo, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo once the postseason rolls around.