3 No-brainer trades Celtics should make before the deadline
By Tyler Watts
The Boston Celtics are facing a championship-or-bust season. They have made the conference finals five times in the last seven years and remade their roster this offseason believing it would take them to the next level. The Celtics have the best record in the NBA and look like title favorites, but Boston should not be satisfied.
They have arguably the best top six in the NBA. Boston needs a bit more depth and the finishing pieces on their championship roster. Jayson Tatum is one of the best players in the world. Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis give Boston an elite starting five. Can they find one or two more role players to help them bring banner number 18 home?
The trade deadline is fast approaching, and Brad Stevens should stay aggressive. Here are three no-brainer moves the Celtics should make that add one more piece to their rotation without giving anyone up.
3. Celtics find a defensive-minded wing
Boston added several wings this offseason in hopes of finding a key rotation option behind Tatum and Brown. Oshae Brissett, Svi Mykhailiuk, Lamar Stevens, and Dalano Banton all joined the C’s, but none are part of the nightly rotation. Boston is still searching for that piece.
It has been a lost season in Memphis. Ja Morant played just nine games and is out of the season. The Grizzlies' best bet is adding a lottery selection and trying to jump back into contention in 2025. Expect Memphis to sell at the deadline, and John Konchar fits beautifully into Boston’s trade exception from the Grant Williams deal.
The 6’5 wing is a career 36.1 percent 3-point shooter who can guard multiple positions. Sam Hauser has stepped up and become a key shot-maker for the Boston Celtics, but they would love to have one more defensive-minded wing to round out their roster.
Konchar signed an extension with the Grizzlies that begins next season. He is locked in until 2027 and would be the perfect piece to round out the Celtics' roster. If they cannot convince Memphis to part with John Konchar, Boston could attempt to get another playmaker from a division rival.