5 Payton Pritchard trades that could improve Celtics title odds

4. Celtics load up on wings but might create a new problem

Boston nearly traded Malcolm Brogdon to the Clippers in a Kristaps Porzingis deal, and they two sides continue to discuss a potential move. Brogdon is far from untouchable, but can the Celtics afford to give up two guards?

The loss of Marcus Smart puts their ball-handling and playmaking into question. Kristaps Porzingis cannot create shots. Derrick White, Brogdon, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown are all going to have to take on some additional responsibility. That makes this move extremely risky, but the math works out.

The Celtics would be able to switch everything and a five-out lineup of White, Tatum, Brown, Finney-Smith, and O’Neale would be difficult to deal with in the postseason. They could spread the floor and fire open shots. White has never averaged more than five assists per game, but Tatum and Brown could support him enough to make things work.

Boston would be light on backup guards and a Derrick White injury could be catastrophic if they make this deal. It gets them two wings and adds to their defensive versatility. The Celtics could take this swing and try to trade a big man for a ball-handler before February’s deadline.

The Boston Celtics reached the NBA Finals in 2021 because of their defense, and this trade gives them a significant boost on that end of the floor.