As the NBA’s offseason wears on, there are a handful of teams who might make major changes. Meanwhile, there are some that already have. It’s already been a busy summer. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics have been in the middle of it.
Marcus Smart is gone. It’s hard to believe. Smart has been the heart and soul of the Celtics for years. Still, he had to be moved to acquire Kristaps Porzingis.
Are the Celtics done making moves? It’s hard to say. With that said, they’re still candidates to continue building their roster. Here are three deals we think they’d have to consider.
Trade No. 1 — Boston Celtics Acquire Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers Receive: F/C Robert Williams III, F/C Al Horford, 2024 First-Round PIck (GSW via BOS)
Boston Celtics Receive: C Myles Turner
How much should the Boston Celtics value Robert Williams III? That’s a difficult question. When healthy, Williams III is an archetypical modern big. He’s an elite rim protector who can also guard the perimeter when tasked to do so.
On the other hand, Williams III is scarcely healthy. The Celtics can’t rely on him. If they’re able to flip him, an aging Horford, and a first-round pick for Myles Turner, they ought to consider it.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Boston Celtics Updates
Whether they’d be able to do so is a different question. The Indiana Pacers may have the same concerns about Williams III that the Celtics do. If so, they’ll pass on this deal. Perhaps the Celtics ought to look to move another young player.
Trade No. 2 — Boston Celtics Add Veteran Wing
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Payton Pritchard
Boston Celtics Receive: F Otto Porter Jr., 2026 Second-Round Pick (TOR), 2028 Second-Round Pick (TOR)
Meanwhile, the Kristaps Porzingis trade wasn’t the only major decision that the Celtics made this summer. They also extended Jaylen Brown. The extension was large. In fact, it’s the largest in NBA history.
With that in mind, Boston is going to have to manage their cap meticulously moving forward. Sometimes, that’s going to mean dumping decent players to avoid paying them. That’s what they’re doing here – moving Pritchard before he’s due for his extension.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Toronto Raptors & Boston Celtics Updates
The Toronto Raptors should be happy to take a flyer on Pritchard. He’s an elite floor-spacing guard, and the Raptors need a replacement for Fred VanVleet. Could the Celtics find another taker for Pritchard?
Trade No. 3 — Boston Celtics Acquire De’Andre Hunter
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon, G Payton Pritchard, 2024 First-Round Pick (GSW via BOS)
Boston Celtics Receive: F DeAndre Hunter, G Patty Mills
Of course, the Celtics aren’t the only team with cap concerns. The Atlanta Hawks have plenty. Perhaps that’s why they’re widely expected to shop some of their players this season. We’ve seen Hunter in plenty of trade rumors.
Here, the Hawks are mostly interested in Brogdon’s expiring deal and the first-round pick. On the other hand, if Brogdon can get healthy, he could be an ideal combo guard to help them stagger Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, Atlanta Hawks & Boston Celtics Updates
Pritchard could function similarly. As for the Celtics, they’ll be happy to add a 3-and-D wing like Hunter. Unless, of course, they’re done making moves this summer.
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