While one must respect the fluidity of the trade deadline, in this author's opinion, it's more likely than not that the Boston Celtics won't take a significant swing.
Past reports have linked them to names like Ivica Zubac and Jaren Jackson Jr. However, a more measured, less costly move seems more realistic. That's taking into account the situation for the Celtics and their potential trade partners. For instance, the two centers mentioned above probably aren't going anywhere between now and the trade deadline.
That is the position of need for Boston, though. Neemais Queta is thriving with his opportunity as the team's starting center. Behind him, Luka Garza's infusion of energy and his impact as a screener, creating second-chance opportunities, and improved defense have helped stabilize the minutes when Queta's off the floor.
The Celtics also have small-ball options, like deploying Josh Minott, Jordan Walsh, or Hugo Gonzalez at the five spot, at their disposal. However, an injury to Queta or Garza would be devastating.
Boston might balk at a rental it doesn't have confidence in re-signing. However, going into the playoffs with the statusquo at center would leave the team vulnerable.
Could the Celtics and Suns prove to be trade partners?
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Phoenix Suns want to dip below the luxury tax. They can achieve that goal by trading center Nick Richards.
"Phoenix is narrowly above the luxury tax with one roster spot open. To avoid the luxury tax, which is something the Suns are looking to do, league sources told HoopsHype that backup center Nick Richards has been made available on the trade market due to his expiring $5 million salary."
The six-foot-11 center is averaging just 9.1 minutes across 28 games this season. After producing 9.3 points while splitting time between the Charlotte Hornets and the Suns during the previous campaign, with his playing time shrinking, that figure has plummeted to 3.2 points per contest.
Richards, who blocked 1.2 shots per tilt last season, is a rim protector at one end of the floor and a lob threat at the other. He's also productive on the glass on both sides of the ball. The former Kentucky Wildcat is pulling down an average of 5.6 rebounds for his career. He grabbed 8.2 a year ago, including 2.6 at the offensive end of the floor.
The 28-year-old center is likely to get dealt. The cost to acquire Richards might be just one second-round pick. Whether the Celtics are interested or would offer the most enticing draft capital is anyone's guess. However, he represents a realistic target who could help stabilize Boston's most vulnerable position on the depth chart.
According to Scotto, the Suns have shown "exploratory interest" in acquiring Chris Boucher. They could do so and get under the luxury tax while sending Richards to the Celtics. Despite the latter being a rental, he makes sense for Boston.
The cost might only be a protected second-round pick, given Phoenix's financially driven motivation to move Richards. It's a price the Celtics can pay to shore up an area of need before this year's playoff push.