In the early going of the 2023-24 season, the Boston Celtics are looking like the top team in the NBA.
The Cs have been clicking on all cylinders, and have knocked off fellow contenders like the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat.
While the Celtics have a deep roster, there are still areas where the team could use improvement that would put them over the top.
3 Boston Celtics trade targets: Defense, shooting, and a little bit of both
Trey Lyles
Sacramento Kings power forward Trey Lyles would be an excellent fit for this team.
The Boston Celtics could use more help in their frontcourt from a size and shooting standpoint, and Lyles solves both of those problems for them. Last season, Lyles shot a solid 36% from the three-point line. That kind of spacing can help the Cs stars dominate in isolation sets.
Having a player who can reliably hit the outside shot while giving them a big body would be a huge plus. Lyles fills that need, and won't require an arm and a leg, or several and draft picks, to land from a Kings team that could be looking to add marquee players at Lyles' position.
Draymond Green
The recent incidents involving former four-time NBA Champion Draymond Green have certainly made him an interesting hypothetical option on the trade market if things don't improve between him and the Golden State Warriors organization.
Green will not be able to be traded for until December 15th, but when he's available, Brad Stevens needs to at least make the call to the Dubs' front office.
If NBA Analysis Network's James Piercey is a soothsayer, the Warriors dynasty will be coming to an end like all great things.
“They’ve been a dynasty for the better part of a decade, but all good things come to an end," Piercey prefaced before saying, "Could they signify the end of an era by sending Draymond Green to the Boston Celtics this summer?”
This was said prior Green's recent suspension that was the result of a chokehold on Rudy Gobert, so this process can happen a lot sooner than the summer. Green may have worn out his welcome with the Warriors, but his skillset would be the kind of jack-of-all-trades/defensive leadership that'd separate the Cs with the rest of the league by a great deal.
Green is still averaging 5.7 assists a game at this point in his career and his play can unlock the games of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis even further. The chance to bring him in would put the team in a position to win multiple championships since they would have the playmaker they need. His antics may not be popular, but he can be Kevin Garnett's spiritual successor on an equally talented, if not even more talented, Celtics team.
Buddy Hield
The one thing the Boston Celtics could really use is a knockdown shooter off the bench who can give them shot-creation without the Jays on the floor. Buddy Hield was once a big target for the C’s and as everyone knows he is a lights out three point shooter. This year he is shooting over 36% and he could let it rip on the second unit for the team. Brian Fluharty of Celtics Wire framed the potential Hield fit well.
“Hield, known for his exceptional 3-point shooting, could be a valuable addition to the Celtics, who are seeking to improve their roster in pursuit of a league-record 18th banner”
If the Cs are looking to add that key bench player who could separate them from the competition, they oughta deal foe Hield; a potential glove fit and the perfect understudy for the Celtics' starters.