Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Boston Celtics: 3 players the C’s should trade away

By Andrew DiIorio

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 22: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on December 22, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 22: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on December 22, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

As the NBA rolls through the halfway point of the season the Boston Celtics sit just below .500 with a record of 23-24. This record would place them in the play-in, a disappointment considering their pre-season expectations.

This puts Boston in a strange spot.

They obviously want to make the team better in an effort to have a better playoff performance, but also should be hesitant to make a big splash, as the team likely isn’t good enough anyway.

Therefore, the C’s are bound to make some fringe moves that will make their team marginally better without giving up much, avoiding the larger portions of the trade market. However, there are a few players who should be moved due to their contractual situations, as Brad Stevens and co. prepare to build around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for years to come.

The Celtics have the ability to make moves to gain value, while still setting themselves up to compete in years to come. The contending window is far from over, with both Tatum and Brown still in their early to mid 20s.

This is a unique opportunity to sell on assets while they still have value, acquiring players or draft capital that will help them in the long run.

Let’s go over 3 players who should be traded this deadline:

Player the Boston Celtics must trade No. 1) Dennis Schroder

In the offseason, Dennis Schroder essentially fell into the C’s lap.

Notoriously declining an extension with the Lakers that was upwards of $80 million, the point guard’s free agent market quickly dried up, leading to him signing a one-year prove it deal with Boston.

Making just under $6 million, his contract is easily movable, making it easy for the Celtics to sell him off. Despite any on-the-court concerns, trading Schroder makes the most sense when considering the team’s payroll.

Boston was never going to have money to re-sign the German-born baller, and they still don’t have that flexibility.

With the team’s disheartening season, it makes little to no sense to hang onto him while they can get something in return before he leaves for another team this upcoming offseason.

On the year, he’s averaging 16.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 44.3 percent shooting from the floor and 36.4 percent shooting from distance. He’s had his fair share of ups and downs, but Schroder has been one of the team’s most consistent shooters of late, making his outside shots while most others falter.

However, he has hindered closing lineups with his lack of shooting in other scenarios, contributing to multiple fourth-quarter offensive collapses this season.

Simply put, with him as the main point guard, the ball doesn’t get moved around as much as it should. It makes sense for the Boston Celtics to flip him for another promising ball-handler or decent draft pick, as his statistically solid season could help any contender.

Home/Celtics News