If this season had gone as many pundits anticipated, perhaps the Boston Celtics would be sellers at the trade deadline. If Anfernee Simons weren't building a compelling case for sticking around beyond the current campaign, then perhaps they'd be focused on rerouting him by 3 p.m. EST on Feb. 5. However, the Celtics have spent this year defying external expectations.
They've proven they are legitimate contenders in the wide-open Eastern Conference. Bill Simmons believes that mandates they eschew the opportunity to shed salary between now and the trade deadline, at least if that's the primary benefit of a potential deal.
Zach Lowe, also of The Ringer, took it a step further. He believes that if anything, Boston should be buyers.
Should the Celtics be buyers at the trade deadline?
Frankly, the way this season is going, it may be best not to disrupt the chemistry or make a move that impacts anyone's role. Of course, there's an obvious exception.
If Jayson Tatum returns this season, a distinct possibility, that's a different story. His teammates will have to adjust. Some will lose minutes. However, that's the reality of playing basketball at the highest level. It will be about handling that and continuing to thrive with the opportunities given.
As for Lowe's point, if Boston makes a move, what position to target is evident. The focus would presumably be on adding an upgrade to the team's depth chart at center.
That could entail an aggressive swing for a player like Ivica Zubac. However, the Los Angeles Clippers have turned it around recently. Trading their 28-year-old starting center, their best young player, seems unlikely, especially during the current campaign.
Maybe there's another target who fits the description. In that scenario, Simons could head elsewhere. There's a strong chance the Celtics could trim payroll in that deal. The next step would be replacing their current sixth man.
ESPN recently proposed that they go after Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu if that happens. The soon-to-be 26-year-old guard is averaging 14.3 points and 3.4 assists in 26.2 minutes, while mostly coming off the bench. He's also knocking down 44.1 percent of the 4.4 threes he's hoisting.
Dosunmu is on an expiring contract, which could persuade Boston to look elsewhere. However, if there's enough confidence in re-signing him, his two-way play makes him an ideal replacement if Simons is no longer with the team.
Still, it may be best to keep Simons and find another way to strengthen their options at center, or stand pat. And if Tatum returns this season, even if he's not at All-NBA First Team form, he could prove the most impactful addition any franchise makes for this year's championship chase.