For the last several seasons, the Boston Celtics have been championship contenders, but have not been able to make it out of the Eastern Conference to the NBA Finals. Three of the last four seasons, the Celtics have lost in the Eastern Conference Finals, making this year do or die for them in terms of what they need to do roster wise to win a championship. The Indiana Pacers are in a similar situation, with Victor Oladipo leading the way.

Kyrie Irving was not the answer for Boston, Gordon Hayward was not the answer, and now Kemba Walker has a knee injury that will keep him out for at least the first month of the season.

The Celtics did bring in Jeff Teague and Tristan Thompson this offseason to solidify their bench, but with Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks reloading, as well as the Brooklyn Nets getting Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving back and healthy, the Celtics need to make a big move if they are to attempt to finally break through and make their first NBA Finals appearance since 2010.

Jayson Tatum was fantastic for the Celtics last season, making his first All-Star appearance of his career and averaged 23.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and shot 45% from the floor and 40.3% from three-point range in 66 games last season. Not only did Tatyum have a great season, but Jaylen Brown was on the verge of making the All-Star game as well, as he averaged over 20 points per game and solidified himself as one of the better two-way players in the entire league. 

At full strength, this Celtics team has plenty of talent to make the NBA Finals, but seem to be a piece away from being a legit threat to beat the Nets, Bucks, and Heat in the East. Marcus Smart has been fantastic for the Celtics on the defensive end of the court over the years, but can he be the third or fourth option on this championship hungry team?

Victor Oladipo is a name that has circulated a lot in trade talks during the offseason and given his injury history, not only could he be a player the Pacers are willing to move on from, but he is a guy that the Celtics could target for a lower price than expected. If the former All-Star can come back from his injuries and play at a high-level, not only could he make a difference for the Celtics, but he could give them the firepower they need to lift another Larry O’Brien trophy. 

Let’s take a look at how the Boston Celtics could possibly shake up things in the Eastern Conference by trading for Pacers star Victor Oladipo.