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3 way too early trade deadline targets for the Boston Celtics

By Dylan Thompson

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 14: (L-R) Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shake hands after game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 14, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 14: (L-R) Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shake hands after game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 14, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics are going to have to add at the trade deadline this season. Whether it’s a splash move or minor moves around the margins, something will have to be done if they want to solidify themselves as true title contenders.

We at the Houdini figured we would start early on our trade deadline targets for the Cs — giving a couple of pipe dreams that could be reality targets and one realistic target.

Here are three way-too-early trade deadline targets for the Celtics.

Mar 28, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Monte Morris (22) dribbles as Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) defends during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Monte Morris (22) dribbles as Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) defends during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 Way too early Boston Celtics trade deadline target: Monte Morris

Monte Morris could be a Celtics trade deadline target as he is a free agent in 2024. The Celtics could look to get Morris as a rental for the second-half push in 2024. Morris could also serve as insurance at the point guard position, as Malcolm Brogdon has a history of injuries.

Morris would be a solid addition for the Cs as he played in 62 games last season and averaged 10 points and five assists. With Morris on the Detroit Pistons, there is a strong possibility that he gets moved at the deadline to a contending team.

I would expect the Cs to be in the market for a guy like Morris.

Mar 17, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball as Portland Trail Blazers small forward Jerami Grant (9, behind) looks on during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball as Portland Trail Blazers small forward Jerami Grant (9, behind) looks on during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Way too early Boston Celtics trade deadline target: Damian Lillard

If the Portland Trailblazers decide to hold on to Damian Lillard and force him to play this season, things could get interesting. The Celtics have the assets to get a deal done, and the more time that goes by, the better chance the team has to get him.

Also, with the uncertainty regarding Jaylen Brown and his contract negotiations, the possibility grows that Brown could be traded for Lillard. Even if the Cs don’t trade Brown for Lillard, the idea of acquiring Lillard has been talked about. Most of the reporting has been that Jayson Tatum has pushed for Lillard and that the Celtics called about him.

If Lillard starts the season as a Blazer, I would be paying attention to him if I was a Celtics fan.

May 14, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) after game seven of the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) after game seven of the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Way too early Boston Celtics trade deadline target: Joel Embiid

The idea of trading for Joel Embiid is a pipe dream, but it could become a reality for the Celtics this season. The Philadelphia 76ers are currently in a poor position, and if they lose James Harden, they will be even worse. Although Embiid has been adamant that he will be with the 76ers long-term, I think he will eventually request a trade like most other NBA superstars.

If Embiid were to request a trade, the Celtics would have to be the favorites due to his relationship with Tatum. The Celtics will be ready to strike if Embiid becomes available next season.

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