Boston Celtics: “Pass or Pursue” on 3 newly proposed trade targets
By Mark Nilon
The Boston Celtics are struggling to find wins as we approach the midway point of this truncated 2020-21 campaign.
Through 31 games, the Cs boast a sub-.500 record of 15-16, and have lost eight of their last 12 outings. Though the team does in fact roster the best wing duo in the association in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown — both of whom were just named as 2021 All-Stars — many are under the impression that this rotation needs to improve their talent pool overall if they wish to get back on track.
Going as far a stating that the Cs need “shooters with size”, General Manager and President of Basketball Operations, Danny Ainge, could find himself being an active participant during this year’s trade season.
The Boston Celtics could consider pursuing several players by the trade deadline
Over the past several months, fans and media alike have been thinking up specific trades the Boston Celtics could partake in between now and the March 25th trade deadline that could bring them a much-needed talent upgrade.
Recently, NBA Analysis Network went about and listed 3 trade targets in which they believe could help turn the Cs around and, with this, it sparked the desire for us to push out yet another installment of our favorite series we call “Pass or Pursue.”
For those of you who don’t know, this series is where we discuss recently rumored trade ideas and whether or not the Celtics should sit out on talks, or if they should actively try to partake.
So, without further adieu, let’s get started:
(**Article scheduled prior to Wednesday night’s outcome**)
Boston Celtics trade target No. 1) Doug McDermott
First on the list, we see the inclusion of Indiana Pacers wing, Doug McDermott.
Now in his seventh season in the NBA, the sharpshooter is finding himself in the midst of arguably his best season. Through 28 games played, the 29-year-old is posting 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 51 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent shooting from deep.
This past offseason, McDermott was a player linked to the Boston Celtics as a possible trade acquisition and, according to writer Brett Siegel, he still should be viewed as such considering the team’s need for improved bench scoring:
"Boston needs a “spark” they can bring into the game off-the-bench and McDermott is definitely that kind of player. He can play in the low-post or on the perimeter and could be an excellent secondary scorer next to Boston’s superstars. His ability to knock down shots in traffic and make the game a lot more simpilier for the best players on his team is what makes Doug McDermott a valuable player and an impactful trade target for the Celtics."
Initially, when McDermott found himself connected to the Cs, we at HH were very much down for the idea of bringing him aboard, particularly because of his floor-spacing abilities (41 percent career 3-point shooter) and scoring prowess.
However, a major reason for this was because he was seen as an add-on in the fan-favorite deal that would have brought him and Myles Turner to Beantown.
Having him as a secondary or tertiary commodity in a trade is something that we still would love to see happen for the Celtics. However, solely going after McDermott in a trade is one that doesn’t really move the needle for us.