5 Trades Celtics could make with their 1st round picks
By Tyler Watts
2. Boston Celtics need depth and find a way to acquire it
The Celtics may have the best top six in the NBA, but their options behind that are questionable. Payton Pritchard was not part of the playoff rotation last season. Luke Kornet played fewer than 12 minutes per game in 2023. The rest are all making under $2.1 million. Are six standout players enough to win a championship?
The Celtics will have to play more than 100 games to take home the title. It is a marathon, not a sprint, and Boston may need reinforcements before the trade deadline. Could they ship out Kristaps Porzingis and turn him into three solid rotation players after December 27?
Nic Claxton could be the team’s starting center with Spencer Dinwiddie and Royce O’Neale giving them a solid second unit. Al Horford likely starts next to Claxton in the frontcourt, but Derrick White plays more minutes. Boston would have combinations to throw in any matchup or situation.
This would counter what Brad Stevens and the front office just did. The Boston Celtics traded their depth for top-end talent. If it does not work, they could go back. It would likely cost them both of their available first-round picks, but this type of move will be considered if the team is struggling.
The front office might just go the other way and try to trade Kristaps Porzingis for an even bigger star.