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Boston Celtics offered their most popular trade package for Jakob Poeltl

By Andrew Hughes

The Boston Celtics offered their oft-discussed multiple piece trade package for traded center Jakob Poeltl, who is now back on the Raptors (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics offered their oft-discussed multiple piece trade package for traded center Jakob Poeltl, who is now back on the Raptors (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics were serious about landing Jakob Poeltl, but as it turns out, life is cyclical — Poeltl is now back with the Raptors after being sent to San Antonio in the Kawhi Leonard trade back in 2018.

You cannot blame Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens for not being aggressive, though. Toronto outbid Boston using a protected 2024 first-round draft pick, two future second-round picks, and Khem Birch in return. The Wizards were also in the hunt for Poeltl but had reservations about the impending free agencies of Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma.

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto revealed that Boston offered their most popular trade package in their hopes of landing Poeltl as an insurance policy at the pivot behind Al Horford and Robert Williams III:

"“The Boston Celtics discussed several different concepts, which included forward Danilo Gallinari, guard Payton Pritchard, and draft pick compensation, HoopsHype has learned. Poeltl represented a potential injury insurance policy for Robert Williams in the playoffs, and it’s worth monitoring whether Boston will target another center before the trade deadline or in the buyout market.”"

Injuries have given Boston Celtics multiple trade deadline needs

Jaylen Brown’s absence due to a facial contusion could span many weeks, and that could force the Boston Celtics to prioritize wing help at the trade deadline — particularly with Blake Griffin and Luke Kornet continually filling in admirably in spot appearances.

Sam Hauser is re-emerging in the last week, but a long malaise this season could have the front office looking for more steady help. Benched Magic forward Terrence Ross makes sense if the Cs could offer the Danilo Gallinari-Payton Pritchard package with minimal draft compensation. Whoever the option, the Celtics need to explore wing help to ensure they don’t slip in the standings.

Finding another big should be in the works, but the Cs would be looking for a reserve. Boston could use a temporary starter in Brown’s absence due to injury.

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