The 3 biggest Boston Celtics surprises at the 2023 NBA trade deadline
The 2023 NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and the fireworks were unfathomable relative to the rumors heading into February 9. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook, and D’Angelo Russell were all moved, marking a significant midseason shift. All of those players figure to make their teams better — that includes the team that signs Westbrook after the Jazz buy him out — but none of those squads were contenders. The Boston Celtics are, hence the minor move.
It’s not an insignificant move, though. Landing Mike Muscala for Justin Jackson and two future second-round picks filled the C’s need for a third big man and did so at a cost that didn’t include any of the team’s young prospects.
That wasn’t surprising, though. We all figured Stevens would do something, just as he has every offseason and deadline prior to this one in charge of the Celtics front office. These following 3 moves were surprising, however:
Payton Pritchard staying put with the Boston Celtics
After Pritchard spoke of wanting a bigger role, it was assumed that he’d be sent to a team that could give him minutes immediately. The Warriors were the only contender capable of doing so, but they opted to bring back Gary Payton II instead.
Pritchard sticking on the C’s roster indicates that Stevens and the front office were not wowed by trade packages for the third-year sharpshooting combo guard. It wouldn’t be surprising to see trade talks kick back up in the offseason, though.
Grant Williams not being mentioned in any concrete trade talks
With his impending restricted free agency, it would’ve made sense for Grant Williams’ name to come up in trade talks — especially if the Boston Celtics wanted to make a major splash and combine his deal with Pritchard’s and others to land a big fish.
That no big fish was linked to Williams, and no teams were said to have been in advanced talks to potentially land the 2019 first-round pick is a bit of a surprise. What is less so is that perhaps the Celtics front office is sold on No. 12 for the long haul.
The Boston Celtics didn’t move off of Danilo Gallinari’s dead money
With there being a slim chance Gallinari returns to the lineup, it was presumed that the Cs would find a way to turn his dead money into a contributor who could help the team’s chances during the upcoming postseason — particularly since the team’s ownership group indicated that as an edict. With Jaylen Brown’s injury, it seemed extra likely the team would look for wing help.
Instead, the Celtics stuck with their commitment to Gallinari, who owns player option for the 2023-24 campaign. This could wind end up building credibility for the franchise with free agents who now know they won’t be traded in the event of a season-ending injury.