Boston Celtics: 3 most likely Cs to be traded away

Boston Celtics’ player to be moved #3: Tristan Thompson

The other Celtics free-agent signing this offseason, Tristan Thompson, also has a chance to be traded in the upcoming days. His original purpose was to provide size to a smaller Boston Celtics frontcourt–and he’s done that for the most part.

With the sudden emergence of Robert Williams as a player that demands minutes, the center rotation for Boston now includes three capable players with Daniel Theis. It’s possible Thompson is the odd man out, finding himself on another team in a matter of days.

On the year, Tristan has averaged 7.9 points and 8.3 rebounds on 53.5% shooting from the field. He’s started many games alongside Theis in the frontcourt, as the Celtics adjust to playing bigger under the Brad Stevens offense. The 30-year old hasn’t blown anyone away with his play in 35 games this season, but he hasn’t disappointed either. He’s been what GM Danny Ainge expected him to be, and that’s all you can ask for from a free agent signing.

The more important aspect to this situation is Robert Williams, fresh off a 16 point-13 rebound performance against Houston, in which he finished perfect from the field (7-7). Timelord is clearly the big man with the most upside of this Boston roster, and will likely give the Celtics the best chance at making a run in the playoffs this year.

After the game, coach Stevens said he told Theis at halftime that he’s planning on limiting the big man rotation to only one on the court at a time, meaning minutes will be harder to come by. This points to a potential trade, as the Celtics would not lose too much depth by trading away Thompson. They have plenty of small ball options at the center spot to run out come playoff time, including Semi Ojeleye and Grant Williams.

Tristan is more likely to be traded than Theis due to his inability to shoot, something that Boston values highly. TT makes more than $9 million a year over the next two years, a decent value contract for a player that can contribute to winning teams. It is also a well-sized number, making it easier for salaries to match in any potential trades.

Players will have to be traded at this deadline for the Celtics to compete in the 2020-21 NBA playoffs – who should they look to move?