The Boston Celtics have the best record in the NBA, but they could get even better for 2018 and beyond if they make one of these moves.
As the best team in the Eastern Conference and the NBA as a whole, you would think the Boston Celtics would stand pat this season as far as trades go. If they want to take the next step though and really compete with the Warriors for an NBA title, they should make a big move.
Boston is winning without Gordon Hayward on the court, led by Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, and a cast of young stars.
The key to making the right move will be to hold on to all of the young talents that they can. Ideally, the Celtics would want Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to be untouchable. That may not be possible if they’re looking to bring in another superstar unless they are willing to dish out a ton of draft picks. Honestly, I don’t think the Celtics care about picks anymore. They want to win right now, and they should deal any and all draft picks they have to get it done.
Here are 3 moves that Boston could make to acquire a star, will still keeping a grip on their young, talented core.
Jahlil Okafor
Jahlil Okafor has been on the Boston Celtics radar for quite some time. The Sixers are essentially holding him hostage though, to keep him from joining a team that they deem as a threat in their conference. It’s a smart move for Philly, but eventually, they’ll have to let him go.
As the season goes on, the asking price for Okafor will surely drop, and Boston should swoop in.
For Okafor, the Celtics should not give up anything more than a 2nd Round Pick. If Philly doesn’t want to make this deal, fine. Okafor is not a superstar and he’s not worth the current asking price. Boston would pass if the price is too high anyway.
Okafor has played in just two games for the Sixers this season. He’s clearly not in their plans going forward. In his rookie campaign in 2015-16, Jahlil Okafor looked like a promising talent. He averaged 17.5 points and 7 rebounds per game, and he’d be a solid option to come off of the Celtics bench.
Anthony Davis
This would be a major move for both the Boston Celtics and the New Orleans Pelicans. NOLA would most likely want Jayson Tatum in this package, but Boston should be able to offer enough even without him.
Boston could offer up Al Horford, and THREE first round picks. The 2018 1st Round Pick is in this trade in the place of Jayson Tatum. The Celtics should do all that they can to hold onto the rookie while offering up the chance for New Orlean’s to draft their own young star. With three first-round picks, they will have three chances to get it right. Or, the Pelicans could then package those three picks for a higher 1st Round Pick and perhaps a 2nd Round Pick.
This trade could work from both sides if they really look at it. Horford could be a great compliment to DeMarcus Cousins in New Orleans, and he’d change the offense there. Boston meanwhile, would be perennial favorites in the East with a lineup of Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Morris, and Anthony Davis.
This season, Davis is averaging 25.2 points, 11 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game. That production would surely put Boston over the top.
DeAndre Jordan
If the Boston Celtics are looking for a productive big man but the cost of Anthony Davis is just too steep to swallow, DeAndre Jordan is the next best option. This season he’s averaging 10.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He’s not a huge offensive threat, but with Kyrie, Brown, and Tatum, he wouldn’t have to be.
The Celtics would also acquire Lou Williams in a deal with Los Angeles. Coming off of the Clippers bench Williams is averaging 18.9 points and 4.4 assists per game. That’s quite the bonus for Boston.
The Clippers meanwhile would get a great chance to begin their rebuild. They could count on having Horford for two more full seasons, and they would have a 1st Round Pick to be able to add some young talent. With Blake Griffin, Al Horford, and a young star, the Clippers rebuild could come together quite fast, making this an enticing offer for LA.
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So, while Boston has the assets to make a deal, do you think that they will? These are all ideal trade scenarios where both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum remain on the Celtics roster. Do you think that’s at all possible? These are things we will have to watch for as the season goes on and teams develop. The Boston Celtics will no doubt make a run in the NBA playoffs, but one of these moves could put them over the top and into the NBA Finals.