Boston Celtics: 4 teams Cs should immediately engage in trade talks with

Boston Celtics trade partner #1: Orlando Magic

This season has been an extremely unlucky one for the Orlando Magic. Losing Markelle Fultz effectively took the team’s postseason expectations off the table following two consecutive playoff seasons. Jonathan Isaac’s loss was debilitating to the team’s defensive strategy, but losing Fultz all but knocked the team down to the lottery line.

Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic, Terrence Ross, and Evan Fournier all figure to be names we see bandied about in trade talks over the next five days, but the Boston Celtics could also ask about guys like Mo Bamba, Khem Birch, or Chuma Okeke, who could be added without sacrificing any core member of the team/the team’s historic traded player exception.

The Magic need to focus on building around Fultz, Isaac, and Cole Anthony. The aforementioned veterans are better off helping a contender get closer to its goal than clogging up Orlando’s cap sheet.

Boston Celtics trade partner #2: Toronto Raptors

This season has been a roller-coaster ride for the Toronto Raptors, who started the season off with struggles before figuring it out. Once again mired in malaise, the Raps have dropped their last six games.

Toronto is no longer the contender it was when the team ended the Golden State Warriors dynasty, and the team could be in the process of dismantling the remaining holdovers that don’t fit into their long-term plans.

Ainge should do whatever he can to try to flip Walker’s remaining three years of salary for Kyle Lowry’s expiring contract.