Matt Moore of Action Network recently wrote that the Boston Celtics could have some interest in trading for Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. Historically, the Celtics haven’t let much information slip out to insiders or reporters. If they’re going to leak something, it will almost always be through local reporters, and usually they don’t even do that.
That said, as an idea, trading for Jackson is extremely intriguing. The Celtics have the money to get to Jackson’s salary in a deal, making a potential trade pretty easy to concoct, at least from a financial standpoint. The question is, would it be worth it for Boston overall?
The answer? Maybe.
Jaren Jackson Jr. could be perfect for Celtics
Whether or not the Celtics should trade for Jackson fully depends on how much they like him. If Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla view him as the missing piece to their long-term core, then trading for him makes plenty of sense.
A core four of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Jackson would be good enough to compete in the Eastern Conference for at least five years.
They could roll with Neemias Queta as their starting center and Payton Pritchard as their sixth man, which would give them a very solid top six.
But what would the Celtics have to give up in a trade?
Anfernee Simons would have to be in the trade in order to match Jackson’s salary. And unless they stack a bunch of smaller salaries, including Sam Hauser would make the most sense, too. (However, losing his shooting would be a tough blow.)
If the Celtics could get a deal done with Simons, Hauser, and draft capital, it could be ideal. Boston would still have plenty of depth, and Jackson would be a great long-term fit.
However, Memphis would probably want one of Hugo Gonzalez, Jordan Walsh, or Josh Minott in the deal, and they could want multiple draft picks.
If the Grizzlies asked for two picks, it would be very intriguing. If they asked for three, it would be far less intriguing. If they asked for a Desmond Bane package, it wouldn’t be worth it.
If they asked for Minott, it would be intriguing. If they asked for Walsh, it would be far less intriguing. If they asked for Gonzalez, it wouldn’t be worth it.
Those are the levels Boston should be working with.
However, with the defensive play style the Celtics have employed this season, Jackson would be perfect. His three-point shooting, in-the-lane floater, and elite defensive presence could make him a perfect long-term fit.
Depending on the price, trading for Jackson could be great for Boston.