Boston Celtics: 3 trades to make with the Toronto Raptors

Why the Boston Celtics do it

At this point, future first and second-round picks may have difficulties finding room to thrive on a jampacked Boston Celtics roster. Clearly, the team’s roster isn’t good enough to contend as it is, but a lack of high-upside youth isn’t the reason why.

With under-26 superstars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum leading the way, and rookie Payton Pritchard has been one of the season’s most pleasant surprises. Aaron Nesmith’s 5-7 shooting performance–that included 3/4 3-pointers made–against the Hawks recently shows Ainge may have actually hit on both 2020 picks.

The issue is the presence of win-now veterans on the roster. Norman Powell–who is scorching nets to the tune of 44% from the 3-point line in almost six attempts per game and 18 points per contest–and Chris Boucher (44% 3-point shooter himself in almost four attempts per night) are impact players on short-term bargain deals.

Why the Toronto Raptors do it

If the Raptors are going to embark on a rebuild on the chance that the team can’t escape mediocrity in 2020-21, moving on from two veterans who may move on in the next two offseasons for three future picks would be a smart way for Masai Ujiri to begin the next Toronto rebuild.