Boston Celtics: 2 trade packages to acquire Jerami Grant

Boston bolsters frontcourt, Detroit lands a talented big, youth, and picks

Over the past several seasons, perhaps the biggest weakness for the Boston Celtics has been their center rotation. Though they went about and have tried a few different experiments in the shape of Enes Kanter, Daniel Theis, and Tristan Thompson, ultimately, none have proven to be much of an answer for their win-now mentality.

Nabbing Grant would be a step in the right direction for the Cs as they try to get their season back on track but, like the majority of the players Boston has already tried to put in at the five, his natural position is when slotted in as a forward, and should remain there.

However, a player we could see coming with him in a potential deal is veteran center Mason Plumlee.

Currently in the first season of a 3-year, cost-efficient contract (average of $8.2 million per year), the eighth-year big man could serve as a quality option for the team down low in the starting lineup for the next few campaigns.

Through 33 games played, the 30-year-old is posting 10.4 points, nine rebounds, 3.8 assists, and just shy of a block per game on 61 percent shooting from the field.

Already viewed as an under-the-radar trade target we believe the Celtics could pursue on his own, the defensive-minded/ board gobbling big man coming in a deal involving JG would just be an added bonus.

Obviously, with these two players coming, Boston will have to give up a bit more value than we saw in the initial trade proposal and, sadly, with the team’s unnecessary refusal to play Robert Williams as their starting center, we see Ainge setting him free by sending him to Motor City to, hopefully, be utilized as the high-ceiling center we at the Houdini know he can be.

Seemingly all season, Williams has been an efficiency machine, albeit in limited minutes, as he’s converting on 72 percent of his shot attempts while grabbing the third most boards on the team, and finds himself leading the way amongst all of his teammates in offensive rating (134), defensive rating (103), defensive box plus-minus (3), and overall box plus-minus (5.4).

When given extended action this year (between 20-29 minutes), Williams finds himself posting impressive all-around averages of 10.2 points, nine rebounds, two assists, 2.7 steals, and 2.5 blocks on 72 percent shooting from deep.

Still just 23-years-old, the upside Williams possesses is unreal and, on a rebuilding team like the Pistons, bringing on such a player still on his rookie contract would be an intriguing prospect to consider.

Add in the fact that the franchise will still be bringing on the C’s last two lottery selections in Langford and Nesmith as well as several future picks, and it appears as though General Manager Troy Weaver will have some considering to do.