The Boston Celtics may be overachieving in the first few months of the season. Clearly, the Celtics’ championship window will remain open for years to come with “The Jays,” Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, leading the way. However, should the Celtics look into a trade to solidify their future title hopes? And, who could be on their radar to target this season?
A Trade Could Solidify The Celtics’ Championship Window
Boston has had a steady offense this year that has earned them nearly twenty wins before Christmas. Their long-range firepower and intense defensive versatility have been a key to their success so far. One area for improvement for this team is their rebounding efforts, which are hindered by Tatum’s Achilles injury. Tatum can shore up this weakness when he returns. However, Boston should be cautious and look for help on the defensive glass. If that is the case, then they will need to discuss making a trade for a player with size. A real rebounding machine is what the Celtics need.
Multiple centers could fill this role and alleviate the pressure to perform on Neemias Queta, who is consistently starting for the first time in his five-year career. Queta is doing well rebounding and defending the rim as a starter, but the Celtics’ championship window requires more than he is able to produce at this time. The names to be targeted are as follows: Steven Adams, Bobby Portis, and Clint Capela.
Introducing Potential Trade Targets:
Houston Rockets Center, Steven Adams
Adams is a veteran big man with much experience from a 12+ year career. He started nearly every game in the nine years following his rookie season. He is currently ranked 18th in the league in rebounds per game (Queta sits at 22nd) with 8.8, while only starting in 5 of his 21 appearances. And, he is impacting the defensive end with 15 steals and 14 blocks this season. Adams’ defensive presence and veteran leadership are a perfect match to lighten the load for Queta. Hopefully, he can even mentor the young center.
Milwaukee Bucks Power Forward, Bobby Portis
Portis is another veteran with over a decade of NBA experience. He is most notable for his contributions to the 2021 champion Milwaukee Bucks. His career averages of 12 points and 7.1 rebounds on nearly 39% shooting from three-point range complement Joe Mazzulla’s scheme tremendously. This season in Milwaukee, he is producing 6.1 rebounds and shooting 47% from long range.
Houston Rockets Center, Clint Capela
Capela spent the majority of his career as a starter before becoming Adams’ understudy this year. He is still learning to make the most of his eleven minutes per game in his first season coming off the bench since his sophomore season. Capela may not be a great contributor at this point in his career and is an unlikely fit for Boston’s offense. He has attempted a total of seven 3-point shots in his career, including playoffs, and has missed them all. However, his history as a rebounding machine could help extend the Celtics’ championship window.
The Price May Be Too Steep
All of these trade targets have their upsides and downsides. One of the common upsides, from Boston’s perspective, is the contract situation for each player. They are each signed through the end of the 2027-28 season (Portis with a player option for that season). However, the downside for Celtic fans is who they may have to send to their trade partner. To complete the trade, Sam Hauser and another role player or a future second-round pick(s) will likely be needed to secure any of these veteran players. If the price is too steep, then the best option for Boston may be to wait for Tatum to return and see who is available in the offseason.
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