Boston Celtics: The definitive 3-team Damian Lillard blockbuster

Boston Celtics starting five: PG CJ McCollum, SG Jaylen Brown, SF Jayson Tatum, PF Robert Covington, C Robert Williams

In one fell swoop, Brad Stevens adds elite shooting to his starting lineup around his potential star trio of the Jays and the Time Lord. As mentioned, Robert Covington is a knock-down long-range option capable of defending bigs due to his length and reach (7-foot-3 wingspan). CJ McCollum is not necessarily a better facilitator than Kemba Walker, but he is definitely more durable and capable defensively.

Robert Williams–whether or not Tristan Thompson returns to the fold–is the clear top option at center. Thompson’s commitment came from ex-GM Danny Ainge, so there’s no guarantee Stevens even brings him back.

Boston Celtics key reserves: PG Payton Pritchard, SG Romeo Langford, SG/SF Aaron Nesmith, PF/C Grant Williams

Beyond the trade market, Brad Stevens has free agency to build his roster. He won’t have an abundance of cap space, but he will have the MLE, bi-annual exception, and unlimited veteran’s exceptions to fill out the rest of his roster.

No matter who ends up in green and white, the odds are high that Stevens will keep two recent 2019 draftees and two recent 2020 draftees in the rotation. The aforementioned group got minutes consistently in 2020-21 and should once again see time on the hardwood under the new regime.