Boston Celtics: Retain or release on 3 acquired Cs at deadline
The Boston Celtics made some long-awaited changes at the trade deadline, but in classic Danny Ainge fashion, future flexibility was maintained. In bringing on Evan Fournier, Moritz Wagner, and Luke Kornet, the Cs added three skilled shooters who aren’t known for their physicality.
But that’s okay. If the Cs don’t measure up to the titans at the top of the Eastern Conference, Ainge can find an alternative this summer in free agency. The trio–all hailing from different previous stops–is on the final years of their respective contracts.
Ipso facto, there’s a chance that Ainge just shook up the roster for a few rentals. Daniel Theis was the primary departing piece, but rotation members like Javonte Green and Jeff Teague were also given their walking papers in order to bring on young bigs who may not crack the rotation in the postseason.
Of course, Fournier was acquired with the trade exception, making him a unique case. It didn’t cost the team anything besides future second-round picks to bring on the 20-point per game scorer.
But is he a long-term stay? What about Kornet and/or Wagner?
Let’s take a look:
Boston Celtics SG Evan Fournier
Easily the biggest name making his way to Beantown, Evan Fournier could end up being a legitimate difference-maker for the Cs in the postseason.
Then again, he could continue his postseason mediocrity and find himself priced out of a Boston. Fournier will have a market, but the Cs don’t need to be the ones cutting him the checks if he doesn’t help them reach at least the Eastern Conference finals.