We are in witching hours for the Boston Celtics as the trade deadline has finally arrived. Coincidentally, we at HH are in the fourth part of our TPE series.
Today, I discuss the heavily prized luxury of the $17.1 million exception the Celtics got in the Evan Fournier deal.
A bigger trade exception means bigger fish to land for the C’s.
Brad Stevens must not tread lightly — to arm Boston with an amazing third option scorer to complete a Big-3 alongside the likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Any move using this asset must propel Beantown to contention for years to come. This means, not only will they want a big piece to a playoff-winning puzzle, but they will want a long-term commitment.
I am specifically looking at players that teams are willing to move and are under contract for at least this year and next.
In this last article, I want to throw out a few honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions
Duncan Robinson: The Miami Heat does not specify him being untouchable, but he might as well be in trade discussions. The free-range off-ball shooter is not only tremendous if he’s hitting his shots, but D-Rob is also an asset just being a superior threat to score from beyond the arc. Teams have to gameplan for his movement off-ball and how much he compliments Miami’s stars.
Malik Beasley:
The sharpshooting two-guard has been long linked to the Boston Celtics but, in all honesty, Beasley is having a slump of a shooting year. This coupled with the drug-related issues he’s had off the court, the Celts should pass.
Now, let’s talk about 3 trade targets the Boston Celtics should look to get with the Evan Fournier TPE.
One is a rising star on the Houston Rockets, another a defensive cog for the C’s engine, and a two-way star in Memphis.
Boston Celtics TPE target No. 1) Christian Wood
It is no secret that Christian Wood is being heavily shopped by the Houston Rockets. Now, let it also be known that his salary smoothly squeezes into that $17.1 million TPE the Boston Celtics hold.
Easily the best player on the Rockets appears to be undervalued in H-Town. On a team like the Celtics, the prototypical stretch four would be a perfect third option next to Tatum and Brown.
The 26-year-old power forward is averaging 17.7 points and a career-best 10.3 rebounds per game.
Doing all of this with outstanding efficiency on 49 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from distance.
At 6-10, Wood is a highly versatile defender with the ability to block shots and is mobile enough to switch between guarding fours and fives.
Imagine, him sliding into the C’s current starting four spot as an upgrade over an older Al Horford. A starting five of Smart, Brown, Tatum, Wood, and Williams is one of the best units in the league.
Moving Horford to the secnd unit means fewer minutes for Enes Freedom or Bruno Fernando who have shown to be liabilities.
It also means a more productive bench going forward.
Houston, the C’s do not have a problem with getting this future All-Star.
Boston Celtics TPE target No. 2) Derrick White
The Spurs have already held exploratory talks with the Hawks on sending two-way guard, Derrick White to Atlanta. This should give Brad and the Boston Celtics enough motivation to put an offer in for the defensive ace.
The 27-year-old fits the C’s defensive scheme nicely, only adding more fuel to the fire of a top defense. Always among the league leaders in charges drawn, White would be embraced by the hearts of Celtics fans everywhere.
The prospect of having him locked up long-term means endless Tommy points.
White is entering the prime of his career and fits the win-now timeline the Celtics should adopt.
He is averaging 14.4 points and 5.6 assists per game.
The Spur is having a down-year shooting but would be a tremendous counterpart to Marcus Smart forming a jailhouse backcourt defensively.
He would be another playmaker/ball-handler to take away those burdens from the Jays. Also, he’s a tremendous on-ball stopper to guard the Stephen Curry’s or James Harden’s of the NBA world.
White has shown the defensive versatility to guard up to three positions. This addition would make the C’s the unquestioned best defensive team in the league.
Boston Celtics TPE target No. 3) Dillon Brooks
The Memphis Grizzlies are surging right now to the top of the West, but are doing it all without the services of rising two-way stud, Dillon Brooks.
The Boston Celtics need to dial in to check on the guards’ availability.
The Canadian would be an A-caliber addition to the C’s with his ability to score around 17 to 20 points a night and guard the best perimeter player on the opposition.
Reminiscent of the type of scoring punch a Marcus Morris or Gordon Hayward level of player provides, but with much better defense.
The reasoning to believe Brooks may be on the outs in Memphis is the emergence of sophomore, Desmond Bane.
The Celtics should be cautious in making this move as the former Oregon Duck is recovering from surgery on his injured ankle.
The bright side is he went into surgery over a month ago and should be well on track for a return any day now. The rising star would also be under contract for this season and next.
Let’s not forget the 6-7 wing’s amazing, albeit brief playoff series vs the Utah Jazz, where he had averages of 25.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game on a 51/40/80 shooting splits.
This year, Dillon Brooks was averaging a career-high 18.4 points per contest prior to his injury and was playing stifling defense as well.
Probably, my favorite target of the bunch as he brings a punch to both ends.
Would any of these moves move the needle for the Celtics or is it wishful thinking?
Go ahead and leave your comments in the section below!