One NBA writer has named Dorian Finney-Smith, Tyus Jones and TJ McConnell as the Boston Celtics’ top three trade targets. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report believes the Celtics should try to trade for Finney-Smith, Jones and McConnell.
“If Boston could squeeze a three-and-D wing into the budget, that would give this team someone who can spell the Jays and slot alongside them in smaller, switchier lineups,” Buckley wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “Finney-Smith fits that archetype as well as anyone, provided last season’s shooting woes (33.7 percent) don’t persist. (His 38.9 percent splash rate over the three prior campaigns gives hope that they won’t.)
“The Celtics could also sneakily be in the market for another guard. They might seem deep on the surface, but Derrick White has never been a primary playmaker, Malcolm Brogdon has a longstanding beef with the injury bug and Payton Pritchard has yet to prove he can stick as a rotation regular. If it’s clear Boston needs more passing—Smart was the top table-setter last season—then a reliable ball-mover like Jones or McConnell could make a lot of sense.”
NBA TRADE, NEWS & RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Tyus Jones, TJ McConnell, Boston Celtics Updates
The Brooklyn Nets acquired Finney-Smith from the Dallas Mavericks in the Kyrie Irving trade last season. The swingman averaged 8.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists with Dallas and Brooklyn while shooting 39.1% from the field, 33.7% from beyond the arc and 76.3% from the free-throw line.
The Memphis Grizzlies traded Jones to the Washington Wizards this summer. He’s one of the best point guards in the NBA. The Duke product appeared in 80 games for the Grizzlies last season. He averaged 10.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting 43.8% from the floor, 37.1% from 3 and 80.0% from the free-throw line.
Finally, McConnell appeared in 75 games for the Pacers last season. He averaged 8.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 54.3% overall, 44.1% from 3-point land and 85.3% from the free-throw line.
NBA TRADE, NEWS & RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Tyus Jones, TJ McConnell, Boston Celtics Updates
The Celtics lost to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals in seven games. The front office traded Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies and Grant Williams to the Mavericks and acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Wizards this summer.
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