Boston Celtics: 3 big swing trade targets who would get Cs back on track

After a league-best start to the 2022-23 season, the Boston Celtics have fallen back to earth with three consecutive inexplicable losses — with two to the Orlando Magic last weekend and a recent dud against the Indiana Pacers at home.

Joe Mazzulla isn’t particularly worried about it. “In moments like this, it’s important to trust your guys because they’ve been through a lot and they’ve had games like this and they’ve had bounce back and we’ve proven to be a really good team,” Mazzulla said in a press conference after the December 21 Pacers loss. “You have to trust the relationships that we’ve built to just have a conversation. But I’m not concerned that I’m not going to know what team is coming in.”

That may not be a shared opinion from Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens and co., though. While injuries happen, and the absence of Marcus Smart contributed to some of the team’s recent losses, there could be a push to improve the roster if things don’t significantly improve. With Boston being so close to a title this past June, getting back to the Finals is the only successful outcome. Winning the Larry O’Brien trophy outright is the only acceptable result to some players and fans.

To get there, the Boston Celtics could pursue these 3 big-swing trade targets

Terry Rozier

Terry Rozier is still playing at an elite level, but the Charlotte Hornets have not been able to capitalize on it in 2022-23. Currently occupying the Eastern Conference’s cellar, the Hornets are likely hoping they don’t have Rozier guide them to too many wins to contend for Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA draft.

With LaMelo Ball leading the charge in the Queen City at the point guard spot, Rozier is not long for the franchise despite recently signing a $96 million extension. The Boston Celtics could regain a player they’d likely take back in hindsight after using him in the transaction that landed Kemba Walker on a near-max deal.