How This Deal Impacts Boston Celtics
If the Boston Celtics fall short in their series against the Miami Heat or get past them and lose in the NBA Finals, they could look to make an upgrade this offseason. A monster blockbuster including Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown likely won’t be on the table this offseason, but anyone else on the roster could be made available.
After those two players, Marcus Smart or Robert Williams III would be their next best trade asset. In this scenario, they use Williams as the centerpiece in a deal to bring in an upgrade in the middle in Deandre Ayton.
The Celtics would iron out a new contract with Ayton, who is a restricted free agent and then work out the details for a sign-and-trade deal. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft would be quite an acquisition for Boston.
Turning only 24-years old in July, Ayton is scratching the surface of his potential. He has all of the tools to turn into a foundational piece in the middle for a franchise given his two-way play.
Ayton is an efficient scorer on offense, already possessing mid-range ability. He has been the anchor of one of the best defenses in the NBA the last two seasons, controlling the paint while excellent rebounding.
A trio of Tatum, Brown and Ayton would be one of the best in the league and still have room to grow into more. If this deal was a possibility, the Celtics shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger.