NYT: Boston Celtics could regret not trading for this star with NBA Finals loss

The New York Times’ Sopan Deb believes the Boston Celtics could have some regrets if the current core’s championship window one day closes and Banner 18 is still a possibility and not a reality.

Given their resistance to trading either Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum in the five seasons the two have been on the Boston roster, the Cs currently representing the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals is a testament to the franchise’s patience. Deb’s line of thinking is that the aforementioned patience could soon be viewed as critical indecision from the Danny Ainge era.

The ‘Jays’ could have been flipped for the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, or Anthony Davis at any point until they each landed in Los Angeles with the Clippers or (in Davis’ case) the Lakers.

Deb mentioned Davis specifically in speaking of the possible regrets Cs management may one day have if the Cs can’t triumph against the Golden State Warriors this year or in any year moving forward:

"“…championship windows can be slim. After this year, the N.B.A. will have crowned at least five different teams as champion in seven years. The Celtics might end up regretting not trading for Davis or another big name if they don’t win a title this year. After all, just one year ago, when the Celtics looked to be locked into mediocrity, the Phoenix Suns came within two wins of a championship, only to slink out in the second round of this postseason despite being the West’s No. 1 seed.”"

The Boston Celtics must continue to stand pat with ‘Jays’ if they lose 2022 NBA Finals

Even if the Celtics aren’t the 2022 NBA Champions, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens should do everything in his power to continue building the best-fitting core around his two superstars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

The Houdini believes those two and Marcus Smart have done enough to stay together for the duration of their deals, but further building around them will be necessary if the team as is can’t get over the hump.