Boston Celtics: Blockbuster Trade Need not Apply
The trade deadline is six weeks away and the Boston Celtics should be looking to add minor pieces, not swing a blockbuster trade.
Winners of eight of their last ten games, Boston (22-14) is rolling. Aside from an illness spreading across the locker room, the Celtics are healthy and playing as a cohesive unit. Team chemistry, as much as it can be an overrated discussion topic, is truly important to this Boston team.
Yes, the team has deficiencies–read: rebounding–but the core of the team has been together two to three seasons. That type of camaraderie, plus the addition of all-star Al Horford, have the Celtics within striking range (5.5 gms) of the Cleveland Cavaliers for top record in the Eastern Conference.
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The loss to the Cavs last week illustrated that Boston may not quite be up to par with Cleveland. Would a blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler or DeMarcus Cousins put the Celtics there? Maybe (though I’d be more behind a trade for Butler than for Cousins). Blowing up this Boston team mid-season by getting rid of someone like Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder or Jaylen Brown (or all three) would be taking a step backwards.
The goal for any team is to move forward and get better. At this juncture of the season, the Celtics should look at adding a minor piece to join their quest. It’s not as if the team is flailing about in the mediocrity in the middle of the standings. Despite struggling to beat the 76ers on Friday night, the Celtics found a way to win. A good team can have an off night and still find ways to get in the win column.
Looking at the Big Man Market
Adding another scorer would be nice, but the Celtics aren’t necessarily in dire need of one.
Isaiah Thomas is currently fifth in the league in scoring, dropping 27.7 points per game. As a team, Boston sits 8th overall, averaging 106.5 points per game.
Boston’s main need is a true interior presence on both ends of the floor, a person who can play solid defense and provide some rebounding. This has been the case in Boston for the last few years. While Amir Johnson and Horford have both been excellent additions, a rock-solid defender on the defense end is still needed.
Cousins, of course, has been bantered about for over a year now as a trade possibility to Boston. He is an all-world player, but if his years in Sacramento are any indication, he seems like more a me-first distraction that would not mesh with the current Celtics.
Most importantly, the Celtics need a rebounder. Someone like Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets (7.9 rpg) or even Nerlens Noel. Yes, Noel’s numbers aren’t overwhelming, but he is coming back from an injury and a change of scenery might help.
Another option is in Sacramento. Kosta Koufos is there, playing behind Cousins. Another player without overwhelming stats, but at seven feet tall, might find more minutes in Boston and would give the Celtics adequate minutes.
If it is a star the Celtics desire, they could also look to their old trading partner in Brooklyn. Once again, availability is in question, but Brook Lopez and his 19.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks would fit in nicely in Boston (without giving up too much of course. Hey, do the Nets want their draft pick back?)
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Of course, a lot can change between now and February 23rd. The team might go into combustion mode, requiring the blockbuster trade desired by some. Until then, keep riding the winning wave and hope the Celtics acquire the interior piece needed to rise to the top.