Which Boston Celtics Players Are Destined to be Traded?

Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Believe it or not, the NBA trade deadline is less than two weeks away.

The Boston Celtics figure to be major players leading up to the February 19 deadline. With several veterans currently on the roster, it’s almost a certainty that they’ll be dealt away by Danny Ainge.

Dealing away Jeff Green and Rajon Rondo earlier this season was just the beginning for Ainge. It’s clear Ainge intends to stockpile as many assets as possible with the hopes of acquiring future studs via the draft or trade. The next few weeks will likely be highlighted by a flurry of deals as Ainge strives to collect more and more pieces.

Boston has several veterans who could assist a legitimate playoff contender. Brandon Bass, Marcus Thornton, Tayshaun Prince and Gerald Wallace, all figure to be on the trading block.

Ainge has set himself up to fetch a nice return assuming he goes ahead and trades the likes of Bass, Thornton, Wallace and Prince. Holding on to these trade chips has given Ainge some leverage. Teams may find themselves scrambling out of desperation to strike a deal. In that case, advantage to the Celtics. Ainge could easily talk potential suitors into overpaying for his guys.

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So what can these trade chips offer to a contending club and what can the Celtics fetch in return for their services?

In my opinion, Thornton is the most valuable of the bunch. His ability to knock down the three ball, while providing instantaneous scoring off the bench, makes him a rare commodity. Many teams are in need of such a talent. Scoring a late first-round pick in return for Thornton is not out of the question.

Bass is another solid player who can log big, productive minutes off the bench. He can score in bunches if his jump shot is on. In recent weeks, Bass has shown an explosive low post game, with the ability to get to the rim and finish. Bass could also fetch a late first rounder if a team is in dire need of a talented big man.

Prince possesses all the experience in the world. He still can provide top-notch defense. He’s even shown a sweet little outside jumper since joining the Celtics. He’s played very little of late though, indicating a likely looming trade. Ainge won’t finagle a big return for Prince, but a developing prospect is a possibility.

Wallace is a guy I don’t see moving. He comes with a $10.1 million cap hit next season. Few teams will be willing to take that on. It’s also worth noting that Brad Stevens seems appreciate Wallace’s mentoring of the younger players on the roster.

Speculation aside, the Celtics roster should look significantly different come February 19.

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