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Examining various Celtics trade rumors heading into deadline week
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- Examining various Celtics trade rumors heading into deadline week
BOSTON — While it’s been a relatively slow start to the NBA’s trade season, it’s crunch time ahead of the 3 p.m. Thursday deadline . A few trades have trickled out in the past few days, including former C’s guard Dennis Schroder being moved to the Cavaliers.
The Celtics have been in the trade rumors over the past few months in various forms. At this point, the C’s are likely buyers to help bolster their front-court depth. After their blowout win over the Bucks on Sunday , the Celtics are 31-18 to solidify their spot as East contenders.
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“The best thing about this roster is each guy’s ability to impact winning in different ways,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said. “It can happen whether you start, whether you come off the bench, whether you’re playing five minutes, 20 minutes. Every guy on this roster has helped us win a game.”
When it comes to specific players, Anfernee Simons has reportedly been shopped around the league. He’s on an expiring $27.7 million deal, so the Celtics could look to shed salary. Simons has also upped his play this season, so he could have value for a point guard-needy team.
Other names have been floated around, like reserve Chris Boucher . The veteran signed with the Celtics in the offseason with expectations to get playing time, but he’s rarely played. A team could look to pick him up in a minor deal. Same situation with Xavier Tillman , who’s fallen out of the rotation.
When it comes to acquiring guys, that’s where the Celtics are likely to make a swing for a reserve big man. The C’s currently boast a center rotation of Neemias Queta and Luka Garza , both of whom have exceeded expectations this season. But a third center on the roster would give them injury insurance and flexibility.
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The Celtics have been linked to starters like the Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Clippers ’ Ivica Zubac . However, both big men seem like long shots considering the price tag.
But where the Celtics can operate is in the backup big man department. They have their 2026 first-round pick, which is projected in the 20s, to dangle for some teams. Names that have popped up have been bigs like the Pelicans’ Yves Missi , the Trail Blazers’ Robert Williams III , the Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford and more.
Another factor to consider is also Jayson Tatum ’s potential return. There was buzz across the league he could come back at some point this season from his ruptured Achilles tendon. However, recent reports have put that into doubt . It sounds like Tatum could opt to take off the entire year as he continues his rehab.
Ultimately, the Celtics are in a strong position because they’ve been unexpectedly good this season. Nobody knew what to expect from the C’s coming into the year with a transformed roster and unproven contributors. But the Celtics look like a real threat to come out of the East with Jaylen Brown playing great basketball.
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All that remains to be seen is how the front office navigates Thursday’s deadline.
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