Boston Celtics trade news: Cs interested in seven-year vet for big man insurance

The Boston Celtics have long fawned over the idea of adding a center to the rotation — in particular, San Antonio Spurs Jakob Poeltl, who the Cs have offered a future first-round draft pick for. The asking price is reportedly two future firsts.

In the latest intel from Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, though, it was reported that Boston is looking for insurance in their frontcourt as opposed to a major addition at the caliber of a player like Poeltl.

EuroHoops has reported a specific target on the Celtics’ radar ahead of the 2023 trade deadline. Seven-year veteran New Orleans Pelicans reserve center Willy Hernangomez:

"“(Willy Hernangomez) can be a legit asset, especially with a salary of around 2.400.000 dollars and the fact that he doesn’t have a guaranteed contract for the next season. Teams like Boston and Miami, with playoff and Celtics even with championship aspirations, can add the muscle beneath the rim and release the Spaniard to free agency after the end of the season if they don’t need him.”"

The Miami Heat have more to offer than the Boston Celtics for Willy Hernangomez

Though the Miami Heat are not replete with future draft capital, they are in a better position than the Boston Celtics are to deal draft picks for an ‘insurance’ piece. Willy Hernangomez puts up the kind of numbers worth considering giving up assets for in the right situation, but Boston is not in that situation just yet. While a serious injury can get them there, that’s certainly not something to trade for considering the potential to upgrade the roster up there considering how close the Cs are to a championship.

Miami could use a Bam Adebayo backup more than Boston needs a third center considering the Heat’s lack of depth at the 5. Dewayne Dedmon’s numbers have fallen off enough to warrant it. Luke Kornet and Blake Griffin may be worth holding onto the draft capital not to trade for Hernangomez.