The Boston Celtics are currently 26-11, sitting third in the NBA Eastern Conference standings as they are on pace to make another playoff appearance. But do the Celtics need to make a move at the trade deadline to make them a title contending team?
The Celtics have been having a great season so far. Kemba Walker has been a great replacement for Kyrie, Gordon Hayward is starting to find his groove again, and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown could be an All-Star this year. But the Celtics are missing a piece that could take this team far, and that is a center and lack of veteran players. The Sixers has already beaten the Celtics three times this year, and the Toronto Raptors defeated the Celtics without forward Pascal Siakam. As fun as it is to watch this team and their team chemistry on and off the floor, you might have to take the risk and make a trade that can make them a title contender.
The possible pieces that could be moved are Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart, Romeo Langford, Robert Williams, Daniel Theis, Enes Kanter, and possibly others and picks. So to break it dow, here are some possible scenario trades for the Celtics to go after.
Andre Drummond
Daniel Theis is the current starting center for the Celtics, but this would be a HUGE upgrade for the Celtics. Drummond is currently averaging 17.6 points per game, while grabbing an outstanding 15.9 rebounds per game. As the Pistons are 14-26 on the year, they will be looking to make some moves to turn their team around. If the Celtics want to pursue for Drummond, it will mean they will have to sacrifice either Hayward or Smart. I personally think that the Celtics will make the move and get rid of Hayward as it will possibly create more for Brown and Tatum in the lineup. What would also have to go in the deal is possibly Romeo Langford, and the Memphis pick this upcoming draft. If the Celtics do this trade, it will make the Celtics possibly NBA title contenders, this would be the Plan A trade for the Celtics too make.
Steven Adams
The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to be making moves at the trade deadline to restart their team, which makes Steven Adams possibly available. Adams is a big strong guy, who averages 12.0 PPG and 10.2 RPG. He has a big contract, so you could be seeing the Celtics giving up Gordon Hayward again and Romeo Langford again, there could be a possibility the Thunder could throw in point guard Dennis Schroder in the trade, but the Celtics would possibly have throw another young player or some picks. Adams is not an All-Star, but he is a strong center who could guard the big men like Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis in the post.
Kevin Love
We have been hearing about all the drama that is going on with the Cleveland Cavaliers with Kevin Love, the head coach, the players, and everything. Kevin Love as to reports has requested to be traded, which opens up the door for the Celtics to acquire him. Love, who is not a center, is averaging 16.8 PPG and 10.2 RPG. Even though he might not be a big man , he could be a great acquisition as he is an inside-outside guy, who rebounds the ball very well. This could be a trade target the Celtics could go after, but it will have to cost some players for this.
Tristan Thompson
Another Cavs big man that the Celtics have an eye on is Tristan Thompson. Thompson averages 12.9 PPG and 10.5 RPG. for the Cavaliers, who could either be traded or bought out for the Cavs. If he was to be traded to the Celtics, you probably would not have to move a big key player, but would have to move Romeo Langford, a draft pick, and a center, or possibly Marcus Smart and a draft pick. He has won an NBA Championship before, and this could be something to bring in that mental toughness.
The last time the Celtics made a trade at the trade deadline was in 2015, trading for a 5’9 point guard named Isaiah Thomas.
The Celtics traded away Marcus Thornton and a draft pick for Isaiah Thomas, who turned to be a two time All-Star in his three years in Boston. Thomas turned the Celtics around and made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in his third year in Boston. The Celtics have also made mistakes at the trade deadline by trading away Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to the Thunder for Jeff Green and Nenad Kristic, that the Celtics hurt their chances on making the NBA Finals.
The Celtics have some big decisions to make. Last year, Danny Ainge made the mistake by not trading anyone at the trade deadline that turned out to add more team drama, and a second round exit.
So will the Celtics make the move? or will they go. with their gut and stick with the team they have?
Go Celtics!
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