Grading 6 Celtics trade deadline targets from no-brainer to must-avoid
By Will Eudy
The Boston Celtics have looked like arguably the best team in the NBA all season long. With Jayson Tatum once again playing like an MVP candidate and supporting players like Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White all playing at a high level as well, the Eastern Conference is Boston's to lose.
Even so, that is not reason for them to sit idle at the trade deadline. With less than two days until the deadline passes, there are several players the Celtics could still make a move for. Here, we will order their most likely targets from most desirable to have on the roster (no-brainer) to least desirable (must-avoid).
John Konchar - Absolute no-brainer
On a team that has incurred more injuries than seemingly any other roster in the NBA this season, John Konchar has been an important backup in the frontcourt for the Memphis Grizzlies. He is grabbing 4.3 rebounds per game in just 18.7 minutes of action per night.
The Celtics could use some additional rebounding help, as they currently rank outside the top 10 in offensive rebounds per game. Konchar grabs up 1.2 of those per contest, and the Celtics should be able to acquire him for relatively cheap. All those factors make him the easy choice for the biggest no-brainer target.
Andre Drummond - Absolute no-brainer
Another player that would provide serious assistance on the rebounding front is Andre Drummond. The Chicago Bulls' center obviously has more of a rebounding pedigree than Konchar, having averaged at least 11.9 rebounds in eight straight seasons from 2013-14 until 2020-21.
But that also means the Bulls would not be giving him up quite as easily. With that in mind, he gets bumped back to second on our list.