5 Celtics most likely to be traded before the deadline
By Tyler Watts
The Boston Celtics have gone all-in on winning the championship. They have the best record in the NBA and arguably the best top six in the world, but none of it matters. This season is championship or bust for the Celtics, and it will only be judged by the final result. Boston should look to improve their roster before the trade deadline, but who can they add?
They have draft capital and a $6.2 million trade exception to use. The Celtics are searching for depth to round out their playoff rotation. Six players are locked in and Sam Hauser is on the verge of making it seven. Boston would love to add just one more piece to give them eight trusted options in the playoffs.
The Celtics are most likely to use their trade exception to improve their roster, but what if they decide to deal talent. Who is Boston willing to part with to upgrade their roster? Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford are not going anywhere, but these five players could be moved before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
5. Dalano Banton
The Celtics signed a handful of reserve wings this offseason in hopes of finding someone to back up Tatum and Brown. Banton had flashes with the Raptors in his first two NBA seasons after being drafted in the second round in 2021, but never fully found his footing. The 6’9 guard hoped to get a more consistent role in Beantown, but things have not worked out.
The 24-year-old signed a two-year $4.2 million contract with a team option for the 2024-25 season. He is making just $2.0 million this year but could be packaged with a couple of smaller contracts to bring an upgrade to Boston.
Dalano Banton has appeared in just 22 of the Boston Celtics' first 47 games and is averaging 7.4 minutes per night. He will not be part of their playoff rotation and Brad Stevens and the front office will have zero qualms about trading him if the right deal comes along.
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