Boston Celtics rumors: C’s could target Kyle Anderson this offseason

According to Brian Robb of MassLive, the Boston Celtics have “had their eye on [Kyle] Anderson for quite some time.”

In the article, Robb discusses potential trade options for the rest of the Gordon Hayward trade exception. Anderson fits that bill as he is set to make $9.94 million next season.

The 27-year-old just finished up the best season of his career in Memphis, averaging 12.4 PPG. He shot 46.8% from the field and 36.0% from deep.

His value really shined through in the Grizzlies’ first-round playoff series vs the Jazz. Though he struggled shooting the ball, he averaged 2.8 SPG over the four games.

Anderson provides the Grizzlies with amazing versatility due to his ability to handle the ball. He averaged 3.6 APG this past season (a career-high mark).

Adding Anderson to the Boston Celtics’ roster would greatly improve their depth. Since the C’s still have enough room left in the trade exception to match his salary, the deal could potentially only include draft capital.

However, Anderson was a crucial part of the Grizzlies’ system last year, as he averaged 27.3 MPG (fourth on the team). He also started a team-high 69 games.

With that in mind, it is still possible that the Grizzlies could accept a deal for Anderson. With Ja Morant at the helm, the team is trending in a younger direction.

Rookie Desmond Bane performed well above expectations last year, and the same can be said for a lot of players on their team (Da’Anthony Melton, Dillon Brooks, Xavier Tillman, etc.).

With the rapid development of their young players, trading Anderson for more young talent could be what’s best for their future. A couple of potential trades can be found below, but it all depends on how much the Grizzlies value Anderson.

The Boston Celtics have a plethora of young players on their roster, as well as the 16th overall draft pick this year. If Brad Stevens truly wanted to prioritize adding veterans to the roster, making a deal for Anderson could be the perfect fit.

This would take some of the weight off of Marcus Smart’s shoulders as the primary playmaker. Anderson would take over in a similar playmaking role that Gordon Hayward had when he was in Boston.

The only downside to this deal is that Anderson would need to be extended at the end of next season. This means the Boston Celtics would have to pay him and Smart.

However, if the plan is to be as competitive as possible next year, Anderson would certainly help the C’s out in that regard.