Former first-round PG deemed no-brainer trade target for Boston Celtics

Los Angeles Clippers guard Bones Hyland was labeled a "no-brainer" trade target for the Boston Celtics by Sir Charles in Charge's Matt Sydney -- who saw no reason why L.A. wouldn't take a modest trade package to send away the seldom-used former first-round pick.

"So if the Celtics aren't sacrificing draft capital, and they aren't sacrificing financial capital, I think that this is a no-brainer trade for the Celtics," Sydney wrote. "To take a chance on a team-controlled, 23-year-old combo guard who can catch fire at any time would be a great move for the C's. They could mask his defensive deficiencies similarly to how they currently do with Payton Pritchard.

"Would the Clippers accept an upcoming second-round pick for a 23-year-old, cost-controlled combo guard who doesn't play? I truly don't see why not. There really shouldn't be much of a hangup."

Potential Boston Celtics pursuit of player like Bones Hyland hinges on faith in Payton Pritchard

When the postseason rolls around, Joe Mazzulla's experimental lineups involving guys like Lamar Stevens, Neemias Queta, and even Luke Kornet will likely be on the backburner -- but guys like Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser could, and should, crack the rotation along with the top six (Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford).

A Hyland pursuit only becomes a blip on the radar if Pritchard isn't trusted in his current role off the bench in the backcourt. Mazzulla has no reason not to trust Pritchard at this point, though, considering his scorching 46/50/71 shooting line in December; an improvement over a dismal October and mediocre November.

As the Celtics continue to win, there's not much reason to consider a shakeup. If things change drastically before the February trade deadline, we can revisit this. For now? Consistency is just fine.