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Boston Celtics: Analyst bullish on pursuit of Bulls PG, says asking price ‘laughable’

By Andrew Hughes

NESN's Gio Rivera was against the Boston Celtics pursuing Alex Caruso and called the asking price in a trade 'laughable' Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
NESN's Gio Rivera was against the Boston Celtics pursuing Alex Caruso and called the asking price in a trade 'laughable' Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Those into the idea of adding 2020 NBA champion Alex Caruso to the Boston Celtics roster won’t like what NESN’s Gio Rivera had to say about the matter. Rivera was bullish on the idea of adding the Bulls point guard due to the team’s lack of a need in the backcourt coupled with what Chicago is asking for in a deal.

To the first point, Rivera points out that the Celtics have shooting needs elsewhere — mainly including the wing, where someone capable of bringing stability to the position in a way Sam Hauser isn’t is much needed. Credit was given to Caruso for not being undersized defensively, unlike Payton Pritchard.

To the second point? Well, Rivera didn’t mince any words…

"“Should Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens make the call for Caruso?”“Well, no.”‘While Caruso serves as a depth boost for nearly every NBA Finals-contending squad, the Celtics would be better suited for an outside shooter in the coming days ahead of the deadline.”“Not to mention Chicago’s reported asking price of two first-round picks, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, is laughable.”"

Options for the Boston Celtics on the wing

Conversations about adding backcourt players aren’t relevant for the Boston Celtics as the February 9 trade deadline looms large in under two weeks. Talking about adding a wing behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown — the role Danilo Gallinari’s ACL tear is preventing the Italian forward from playing — is very on topic, though.

Swings for someone like Bojan Bogdanovic are probably not in the cards, but finding a smaller depth-adding splash is well within reason and somewhat likely considering Brad Stevens’ willingness to make win-now trades.

Teams that would likely not require anything but draft capital, something Stevens isn’t prone to overpaying with but always eager to use appropriately, and have someone to offer include rebuilders like the Charlotte Hornets (Cody Martin), Detroit Pistons (Kevin Knox), and the San Antonio Spurs (Stanley Johnson).

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