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3 game-changing trade deadline targets for the Boston Celtics

By Michael Ivanoskos

The Boston Celtics are looking to be buyers at the trade deadline to add depth to this championship roster -- and these players have been linked to the Cs Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Celtics are looking to be buyers at the trade deadline to add depth to this championship roster -- and these players have been linked to the Cs Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics are always up to something at the trade deadline. This year appears to be no different as past seasons. A championship contending team looking to fine tune their line up by smoothening out the edges. Brad Stevens has the seal of approval from ownership to do whatever it takes to improve the roster.

What does this mean for the team’s immediate future? They are most certainly approaching the deadline as buyers looking to add to their core and not take anything away from it. If this is a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle, then we are at piece 499 and any trade should be to complete the puzzle.

Two names on the Celtics that have emerged as trade chips are Grant Williams and Payton Pritchard. The Cs also hold a TPE that is valued at just under 6 Million. They are currently exploring ways to flip the traded player exception in another asset.

Payton Pritchard just seems to find himself buried in an already loaded guard rotation. It would be mutually beneficial if the Cs shopped him to a team where he could be a rotational piece. As for Williams, he is in a contract year and seems to be regressing defensively.

The demands of the forward are reportedly to be a starter on the team and to get a huge payday in the $18-20 million dollar range. I am not sure any other team would pay him accordingly. This leaves Mr. Stevens with two options, wait for the market to dry up on Grant Williams or sell high on him now for a comparable talent who is not due for an extravagant payday.

Here are 3 big-swing trade deadline targets for the Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Jakob Poeltl

The Austrian big man is in the market for a new team with the Spurs heading for tank town. The Boston Celtics need a more reliable back up big man for Robert Williams and Al Horford. Luke Kornet has been a pleasant surprise at times, but is way to inconsistent in terms of production.

The former ninth overall pick is very fundamentally sound, having received mentorship under the great Gregg Popovich. The last season and a half have been incredibly productive the 27 year old center. In the 21-22 season, he posted career best in points (13.5), rebounds (9.3), and minutes per game (29). Fast forward to this season, in 45 games played, Poeltl is averaging 12.1 points , 9.1 rebounds and a career high three assists per game on 62% shooting.

This level of production would make him an awesome fit playing behind Robert Williams on the depth chart with the capability to start if Williams goes down to injury. Joe Mazzulla is still being cautious with the Time Lord’s knee and having another starting level five at his disposable makes life easier.

If there is one noticeable hole to everyone in the Celtics organization from ownership to Brad to us fans, it is the back up big situation. Brad Stevens tried to be coy having Luke Kornet, Noah Vonleh, Blake Griffin, and even Grant Williams slot there at different junctures of the season, but it’s evident they were failed experiments. It’s like using a glue stick to patch up an open wound.

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