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Boston Celtics have a ‘bigs’ problem and here’s who can help

By Randy Marquis

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 08: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns puts up a shot over Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 8, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 08: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns puts up a shot over Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 8, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
Enes Kanter (Photo by Brian Munoz/Getty Images) /

The pricey pipe dreams

If we assume that the Big 3 of Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Al Horford are off the table, the Celtics lack the contracts with significant salaries to match against the players they might wish to acquire.

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Which is too bad, because the 6’11” Enes Kanter would be an interesting addition to a rotation starved for height. Kanter is stunningly underrated for a former third overall draft pick averaging a double-double for the Knicks. He’s developed a respectable 3-point shot and, at just 26-years-old, he might even be a long-term fit for a team with championship aspirations over the next five years.

But it would be tough to match his $18.6 million cap number without giving up a significant amount of depth and talent. Think something like Marcus Morris, Baynes, Rozier, Guerschon Yabusele and Jabari Bird, along with draft picks.

The same is true of Hassan Whiteside, whose 7’0″ height and 13 boards a game would likewise be a useful addition to the rotation. But he’s even more expensive than Kanter and his immaturity makes him a questionable fit.

And let’s just get this out of the way: no, Anthony Davis won’t be joining the Celtics this season. Not without including one of the Big 3 or team leader Smart. And the Pelicans probably aren’t doing a deal without Tatum anyway. Now if the deal were, say, Smart, Tatum, Morris and Baynes, plus picks, Celtics fans might pull the trigger.

Ainge, however, who values Smart’s grit and Tatum’s potential on a rookie deal, might balk. And the truth is, even that offer feels light for one of the best 3-5 players in the NBA. More likely, the Boston Celtics would like to find a way to swap out Horford for Davis in two years time. Hopefully, the Brow will still be available then.

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