Boston Celtics: 3 assets to target if season goes sideways
The first two Boston Celtics targets are both assets the Golden State Warriors currently covet. While only one is a current player, both could be the key to landing Marcus Smart, who Danny Ainge allegedly discussed a Warriors trade with this past offseason:
The Celtics and Warriors discussed a deal that would send Marcus Smart to the Warriors for the No. 2 pick, but ultimately talks fell through, league sources tell @ActionNetworkHQ. https://t.co/HLSQyScu7d
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) November 18, 2020
Boston Celtics target #1: James Wiseman
James Wiseman was (theoretically) the asset the Boston Celtics were targeting with Smart in a trade. While it wasn’t obvious at the time that Wiseman would be the one to land in the Bay Area, the Cs now know for sure that he could be had for Smart in a deal.
Wiseman showed promise in the 20 games he played, boasting a 3-point conversion rate above 40%. His size and athleticism make him a deterrent at the rim for any and all drivers, but the Warriors appear dead set on playing the small-ball style that Steve Kerr revolutionized with his dynastic “Hamptons Five” lineup.
Smart could be the Andre Iguodala fill-in, and Wiseman could be the center of the Celtics’ future.
Boston Celtics target #2: 2021 Golden State Warriors first-round pick
After not trading for the #2 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics could get a mulligan and instead trade for a pick that appears locked in to be in the top five selections in the 2021 NBA Draft.
That could turn out to be a smart move for Boston, who could potentially turn around and make an even bigger splash in the offseason if they don’t end up with an elite prospect from the NCAA or the G-League.