Ex-Jayson Tatum Duke teammate, international PG become Boston Celtics buyout options
The NBA trade deadline produced fireworks across the Association on February 8, but amidst all the big names changing teams, several potential Boston Celtics buyout targets emerged: former Jayson Tatum Duke teammate Harry Giles and former Detroit Pistons lottery pick Killian Hayes.
Giles has long been linked to the Celtics because of the Tatum connection, though Boston may not be in the market for a big man any longer after landing Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Lamar Stevens and two future second-round picks on February 7. Still, the morale boost for Tatum may be enough to have Brad Stevens and Co. considering such a depth signing.
Hayes, on the other hand, could be a worthwhile dice roll; assuming he'd be willing to take a backseat to Payton Pritchard in the backcourt rotation. Boston has not been interested in bringing on a game-changer at the deadline, and Hayes may want a chance to be one after floundering on the Detroit Pistons for three and a half seasons.
Several former Boston Celtics switch teams at the trade deadline
Several former Celtics changed teams during the trade deadline, spanning several different eras of the team's recent history.
Former max-contract holder Gordon Hayward ended up on the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Grant Williams landed on Hayward's now-former team, the Charlotte Hornets. Evan Fournier, a rental during the final months of the Danny Ainge era, was shipped to the Pistons. Marcus Morris is now an Indiana Pacer. Kelly Olynyk returned to his home country with the Toronto Raptors. Dennis Schroder was brought on by the Brooklyn Nets.
The wheeling and dealing was Celtics-centric on February 8, and this was all without mentioning Terry Rozier's pre-deadline deal that added "Scary Terry" to the Miami Heat.
How this deadline shapes the rest of the regular season and playoffs is why ESPN and TNT are glad they invest big bucks into broadcasting the highest level of pro basketball in the world.
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