If there’s one thing Boston Celtics fans love about the offseason, it’s trade rumors. Whether the deal is supposed to be big or small, trades are always entertaining.
Well with the financial restrictions the C’s are dealing with, making the right trades will be crucial. Brad Stevens has a tall task ahead of him.
Most of the trades that could be made are more than likely going to be small deals to improve the bench. However, there’s always the chance that Stevens pulls off something big.
There are big-time names around the league who could be available this offseason. Boston could find themselves in a position to make some offers.
Obviously, the main position of need for the C’s is point guard, but talent is talent. If they can add talent at any position Stevens should jump at the opportunity.
At this point, picks are not nearly as valuable to Boston. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown good enough to win now, the team can look to trade some of their draft capital.
On top of that, the C’s certainly have enough young assets to entice rebuilding teams. If the goal is to win immediately, guys such as Romeo Langford and Aaron Nesmith could be on the block.
Even Robert Williams could be made available if the right trade presents itself. With Moses Brown as insurance, trading Williams wouldn’t be the end of the world.
The key in all of the madness, however, will be getting the most value back to Boston. Here are three realistic blockbuster trades the Boston Celtics could make this offseason.
Boston Celtics star point guard acquisition No.1) Malcolm Brogdon
This move sees the Celtics add their new franchise point guard to play next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. While the price is steep, it would be well worth it.
Malcolm Brogdon is the perfect player to pair with Boston’s stars. He’s tall for a point guard, a great playmaker, and defends super well.
He’s also on a fairly cheap contract for a player of his caliber. He makes around $22 million for the next two seasons.
Justin Holiday would also greatly improve the Boston Celtics’ bench. His scrappy defense and reliable three-point shooting add a much-needed wing to the rotation.
For the Pacers, this trade helps reset their team a bit while also staying competitive. After a rocky season last year, Indiana could be looking to mix things up a bit.
They just recently hired coach Rick Carlisle, and this trade would fill some holes in his rotation. Even if the team decides to keep Myles Turner instead of trading him, they would still need a backup center.
Tristan Thompson fills that role while Marcus Smart provides elite defense and solid playmaking. He’s also a slightly younger option than Brogdon, and his contract is up at the end of next season if they want to go in a different direction.
Romeo Langford grew up in Indiana and went to college there as well. They’d be bringing in a hometown kid that would give them a younger option to help set up for the future.
Boston Celtics star point guard acquisition No. 2) Coby White
This helps the Boston Celtics right now and for the future. It brings them their franchise point guard as well as veteran bench depth.
Coby White has the potential to blossom into a franchise point guard if put in the right situation. Though he will be injured at the start of next season, he would pair perfectly next to Tatum and Brown.
Last season he averaged 15.1 points and 4.8 assists. With Chicago entering a “win-now” mode, they could be open to trading him away.
Thaddeus Young and Tomas Satoransky are both on expiring deals so the Bulls could look to get their money’s worth. Both played very well last season.
Young is a do-it-all power forward who would help the Celtics on both ends. Meanwhile, Satoransky is a super tall point guard who can playmaker and has a decent three-point shot.
For the Bulls, they add pieces to help them push for the playoffs next season. Marcus Smart would pair beautifully next to Zach LaVine, covering for him on the defensive end.
With Daniel Theis being an unrestricted free agent, adding Tristan Thompson would ensure that they have a backup center for Nikola Vucevic.
The picks are what really seal the deal for the Bulls. They lost control of a lot of their picks in the Vucevic deal, so throwing them in there would entice them even further.
Boston Celtics star point guard acquisition No. 3) Terry Rozier
An old friend would return to Boston with this deal. Add in the Al Horford return and they’d basically be reuniting the 2018-19 Celtics.
Terry Rozier would be an ideal fit at point guard for the Celtics. Though he left Boston on a sour note, he would certainly be super happy to have a starting role.
He is coming off a career year where he averaged 20.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He shot 45 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from deep.
Rozier’s gritty style of play would fit in well with the Celtics. It would be a weird return, but one that would benefit both parties greatly. Rozier gets to start on a playoff team, while the C’s get a point guard.
For the Hornets, they get an immediate upgrade at center while they search for a long-term solution. They also add a young wing to improve their depth at that position.
Romeo Langford would be a project for them, but would also help them immediately on the defensive end. He would be a solid bench piece for them to utilize.
The picks make the deal all the more favorable for Charlotte. They would be capitalizing on Rozier’s value while improving now and for the future.