Boston Celtics: 3 players to pursue from the Knicks

Boston Celtics NYK target No. 2) Nerlens Noel

Nerlens Noel is another name that’s been rumored as being someone New York could be willing to part ways with at this year’s deadline. The 27-year-old signed a similar three-year deal to Burks in the offseason, worth just under $10 million per season.

Largely acting as a backup center to Mitchell Robinson in the Knicks’ rotation, Noel’s services could be utilized more effectively elsewhere, especially with Taj Gibson, another capable backup five, still on the roster.

For Boston, the backup center has been a rotational hole all season.

With Robert Williams and Al Horford both starting, the latter has acted as the backup center in most situations, with coach Udoka staggering their minutes. Alternatively, Grant Williams has been on the court as a small-ball five in certain situations.

However, with the possible trade of Horford, combined with the C’s need for another traditional center, as Enes Freedom’s minutes have been a disaster all year, Noel could be an option.

Averaging 3.5 points and 5.8 rebounds on the year, Noel’s skillset mainly revolves around the defensive end.

Boston doesn’t need overwhelming offensive firepower from the backup center position, considering one of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will likely be on the court at all times.

His contract may be a bit too much for the role he would be playing, but he can always be moved in the offseason for a cheaper alternative.

The additional of Noel would seal up a hole in the Celtics’ short rotation, giving Udoka one more player to count on night in and night out.