The Boston Celtics were recently linked to veteran point guard Delon Wright as a potential trade option, per Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report. The Celtics currently own the best record in the NBA with a 14-4 mark.
“He is most helpful on defense, where he offers good length at the lead guard spot (6’5″) and the instincts to make the most of his physical gifts,” Buckley writes. “His offensive ceiling is capped by a shaky outside shot (career 35.3 percent on low volume), but he can make things happen in the open court and create for others at any time.”
Wright joined the Washington Wizards last season and averaged 7.4 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.8 steals in 24.4 minutes per contest. This year, he has only played eight games due to an MCL sprain that will have him sidelined for at least four weeks. In his limited action, he has posted 5.0 points per game and 4.4 assists per game in just 17.6 minutes a night.
Per 36 minutes, Wright averages 2.1 steals for his career. Last year, he averaged 2.7 steals per 36 minutes and is averaging 3.3 steals per 36 minutes this season. The Celtics have rolled with Payton Pritchard as their backup point guard so far, but Wright could provide Boston with a more reliable two-way presence off the bench.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Delon Wright, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards Updates
In pursuit of their 18th championship, the Celtics might value experience and consistency over the hot-and-cold youth of Pritchard. At 31 years old with an expiring contract, Wright would not cost much for Boston either.
According to Matt John of Heavy Sports, a trade for Wright may also require less due to the dire state of the Wizards. Washington has played horrible basketball to start the season with a putrid 3-14 record, tied for second-worst in the NBA. A young, rebuilding squad like the Wizards probably won’t value a journeyman like Wright the way other teams might.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Delon Wright, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards Updates
While the Celtics have done a great job integrating new additions Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, they rank 29th in bench scoring this season. Their reserves have averaged just 25.7 points per game.
Needless to say, Wright’s combination of passing and scoring could provide the Boston bench with a serious boost.
