After losing to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, it quickly became clear that the Boston Celtics needed to add an offensive-minded big to the frontcourt. The Celtics wasted little time in accomplishing that by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team trade from the Washington Wizards.
The only problem with making the big move is the fact that it came at the cost of Marcus Smart, one of the team’s most important players in the backcourt. And with the mystery surrounding the potential availability of Malcolm Brogdon to start the season, the Celtics are (at least for now) sitting with a possible backcourt rotation of Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Payton Pritchard.
Whether you believe trading Smart was the right idea or not is not the issue. The move is done and can’t be taken back. You’d have to imagine that after trading Smart, the Celtics almost have to make another deal to add depth to the backcourt.
The Celtics didn’t take a guard with their lone selection (after a few trade downs) in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft, so it’s fair to assume that if they do make a move to solidify the backcourt, it will come via trade or free agency. Let’s explore a few potential trade options that could arise for Boston this offseason.
10 point guard trade targets for Boston Celtics after trading Marcus Smart
Ricky Rubio, Cleveland Cavaliers
If the Boston Celtics were looking to add depth to the backcourt and less of a starting point guard, Ricky Rubio could emerge as a potential candidate. Rubio is on a very team-friendly deal and wouldn’t require a huge asset in a potential trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Rubio may not be the player he once was but he could provide a veteran presence for a team that will be looking to make a championship run next season.
Rubio only averaged five points and four assists in 33 games last season as he made his return from an ACL injury, but perhaps a full year in recovery would help him look a little more like his old self. The 33-year-old Rubio could emerge as a low-risk trade option for the Celtics this offseason.