Boston Celtics: 3 trade targets on the Houston Rockets

3) Trade Target #3: Sterling Brown

Sterling Brown is having a career-year with the Houston Rockets. After spending his first three seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston took a chance and signed him to a minimum contract. The 26-year-old clearly still has upside, and the Rockets have gotten the most out of him in 30 games this year.

He only averages 7.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game but is shooting 40% from 3-point land, by far the best of his career. In years past, the Boston Celtics’ biggest need in the playoffs has always been shooting, as they are never able to hit the shot when it matters most. Brown could potentially help cure that problem, acting as another reliable knock-down shooter to stand along with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

This pick-up wouldn’t be jaw-dropping by any means, but it’s possible the Rockets sell-high and cash out on the surging Brown. Although the team is 11-22, the fourth-year pro still stands out as a positive on the team, as the team is 3.4 points better when he is on the court. Standing at six-foot-six, he can play any of the wing positions, able to switch against both bigger and smaller opposition.

Like all of the other options, it doesn’t make sense for Houston to hold onto him, as he’s on a one-year deal, and would likely earn more in free agency from a contending team in the upcoming offseason. If this potential trade doesn’t go through in the next month, don’t be surprised if Ainge looks at Brown as a potential addition down the road.

The wing depth on this Boston Celtics team is iffy at best, and it would be helpful to get a solid presence to accompany the young duo of Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langford. Hopefully, Nesmith turns into a more successful player than Brown in the long run, but it doesn’t hurt to have an insurance policy.

All of these options should be available for the Boston Celtics to snag at the trade deadline, it’s down to whether or not they believe it’s the right move.