Today marks a return to action for the Boston Celtics as they look to bounce back from their disappointing first-half and, in turn, thrust themselves back into the conversation of the NBA’s elite.
Though the roster does consist of two NBA All-Stars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, it is the belief by many — including General Manager Danny Ainge — that this team needs to make some moves to get their season back on track moving forward.
While the types of moves needed seem to vary from person to person, with some believing a big trade must be made while others see a depth bolstering deal as more pivotal, one thing people seem to be in agreement on is that one way or another, changes must be made.
Over the past few months, we’ve seen many players linked to the shamrocks, including the likes of Bradley Beal, Nikola Vucevic, and Harrison Barnes.
Recently, Bleacher Report discussed the idea of Ainge and co. pursuing another polarizing name at this year’s deadline that would add much-needed help to their lackluster power forward position.
That player: LaMarcus Aldridge.
B/R concocts ‘no brainer’ deal for the Boston Celtics to land LaMarcus Aldridge
With reports coming out that the former All-Star and the San Antonio Spurs have mutually agreed parting ways will be best for both parties, B/R stepped into action and discussed potential trade packages and landing spots for the veteran big.
To no surprise, the Boston Celtics were listed and the proposed deal reads as follows:
Citing the team’s need for improved 3-point shooting and veteran leadership, writer Greg Swartz believes Aldridge would be an amazing addition to this struggling yet high aspiring Cs team.
"Aldridge would provide better floor-spacing for Boston’s guards and wings and is the superior overall offensive player.On a team that’s still pretty young, Aldridge could be a veteran voice in a locker room that’s underperformed with a 19-17 record this season. The Celtics could use their $28.5 million trade exception to absorb Aldridge’s contract, and sending back Thompson would ensure they stay out of the luxury tax."
This deal in specific would be an absolute ‘no brainer’ for the Celtics to pursue but, unfortunately, when using the traded player exception, a team cannot include a player in their proposed trade package.
If anything, it would have to be two separate deals if they wish to both land the power forward and send Tristan Thompson to San Antonio.
That said, if both ball clubs wish to do such a two-part move, Boston would be foolish to not pursue such an opportunity.