Boston Celtics: 3 offseason deals to land gettable targets
By Jack Simone
Rodney McGruder brings hustle defense and shooting
As unglamorous as this trade may seem, it is exactly the kind of trade Boston should be looking to make. Simple, low-cost deals that bring in a veteran presence.
Rodney McGruder is set to make $5 million next season, which would fit into one of Boston’s TPEs. Though he may not get many minutes, he would be a better fit than the likes of Carsen Edwards and Semi Ojeleye.
He has been in the league for only five seasons, but at 29 years old, can be considered a veteran. On top of that, McGruder shot lights out for Detroit last year.
The 6-4 wing appeared in 16 games with the Pistons last season, playing 12.9 minutes. He averaged 5.7 points while shooting 52.9 percent from the field and 45.8 percent from deep.
Though it is unlikely he shoots that efficiently on a higher volume, if he could even shoot around 38% from three it would be an upgrade to the bench.
He also brings an amazing intensity to Boston’s bench. His physical style of defense would certainly improve the Boston Celtics’ ability to defend the perimeter.
For Detroit, they not only open a roster spot for younger players, but add a pick to their draft stock. For a rebuilding team, picks are everything, even if it is only a second-rounder.
McGruder would be off the books after next season. This allows the C’s to either re-sign him for a cheap deal or simply have an open roster spot at the end of next year.