Analyst calls Boston Celtics trade for Mike Muscala an absolute steal

The small splash Boston Celtics made hours ahead of the February 9 trade deadline in landing Thunder big man Mike Muscala for Justin Jackson and two second-round draft picks was the exact type of transaction the team needed.

Other analysts agree.

Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey called the move an ‘absolute steal’ and shared some statistics that paint the trade as a full-on heist — one that came at the expense of a player who had been out of the rotation and second round picks that don’t figure to turn into win-now contributors anytime soon:

The Boston Celtics solved one of their problems but still need wing help

With the injury to Jaylen Brown, the C’s trade deadline plan figures to have been altered somewhat. Evidently, Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens wasn’t letting the team’s pivot problem persist, but he still needs to add talent on the wing to account for the team’s shortcomings.

Sam Hauser is a fine backup and spot starter whose shot has returned (9/13 over last two games), but other teams are making win-now moves so keeping up in the standings may require a higher caliber two-way forward than Hauser.

With the Bucks landing Jae Crowder for five second-round picks, the Celtics’ top competition may have gotten significantly better should the former Boston wing wind up being a good fit in Milwaukee. Other east contenders could follow suit by the time the day is done.

The Celtics have solved one of their problems, but hopefully their day isn’t done.