10 Point guard trade targets for Boston Celtics after losing Marcus Smart

Cole Anthony, Orlando Magic

If the Boston Celtics are expecting Malcolm Brogdon to be the starting point guard next season (whenever he is ready to play), perhaps the team could look to more of a developmental (or reclamation) project as a potential trade target.

One player that could jump on the Celtics’ radar is Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony.

Anthony hasn’t developed into the player that the Magic hoped he would three years into his career, but it would be foolish to label him as a bust right now. However, with the Magic drafting a guard in the 2023 NBA Draft and potentially eying a veteran free-agent option in the backcourt as well, Anthony is a player that could be available on the trade block. If the Celtics were looking for a high-ceiling target, Anthony could be it.

Anthony is coming off a season in which he averaged 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game on 45 percent shooting from the field. He took a bit of a step back from his second season to his third, but perhaps the Celtics could view him as a worthy (and talented) gamble.

The big question is whether the Magic would be open to moving him for a future pick. And there’s no guarantee of that.