3 centers the Boston Celtics should pursue at the trade deadline
By Seth Quinn
Boston Celtics center trade target No. 3: Nerlens Noel
Nerlens Noel would make a lot of sense for the Boston Celtics.
While he doesn’t have the shooting ability of the previous two options, he has a friendly contract (1 year, 9 million with a 9 million team option next season) and at 28, has experience on his side.
In terms of skillset, Noel has always been a good rim protector, making him an interesting direct backup to Rob Williams. He’s not known for much beyond his shot-blocking ability, but he is a decent offensive player and rebounder as a more traditional center. Standing at six-foot-10 and 220 lbs., he’s not the biggest center, but he’s big enough for a third string center.
The cherry on top is Noel is from Malden, Massachusetts, meaning he’d probably happy to play for his hometown team — especially since he’d being from worst to first in the eastern conference.
In terms of price, all Noel would likely require is Gallinari to match salary and a second rounder or two. If the Pistons would be willing to do that, which I don’t see why not, Noel could end up being a low-risk, medium reward trade option.
Each of those three options have their pros and cons as trade targets for the Boston Celtics. What do you think? Should the Celtics trade for one of these guys? Should they trade for someone else? Should they make any trades? Sitting pretty at the top of the league, it may seem like they shouldn’t mess with things, but personally, I think any team should try to get better and can if they put in the effort to.