The Boston Celtics have exceeded all expectations this season. What began as a gap year with minimal expectations turned into a campaign with serious postseason aspirations, regardless of whether Jayson Tatum makes his return this season or not.
Yet, serious holes remain on the roster. If the Celtics want to make a deep postseason run, they would be wise to add to their frontcourt. With expiring contracts and future draft picks, the Celtics are in a position to upgrade the roster before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Let's think about what we can realistically expect from Brad Stevens & Co.
1. Anfernee Simons Will Be Traded
Simons has been playing well lately, making an impact off the bench. His shooting and scoring have proven to be crucial at times for the Celtics, but that may not be enough to save him before the trade deadline.
The 26-year-old guard's $27.6 million expiring salary is still the best trade chip the Celtics have. It's their only way to add a true difference-maker before Feb. 5. Boston could attach draft capital to Simons and find a long-term piece that fits better. As an offense-first, undersized guard, Simons' fit next to Payton Pritchard and Derrick White is questionable, and instead of losing him for nothing in the offseason, the Celtics will use him as a trade chip over the next two weeks.
2. Sam Hauser Will Stay Past Trade Deadline
Another way the Celtics can add to their roster at the deadline is by trading Sam Hauser and his $10 million contract. The veteran forward is in the first year of his four-year, $45 million extension. Considering Boston's future financial crunch, there were plenty of fans and pundits who wondered aloud whether the Celtics would move on from him to create more cap flexibility.
While this remains an option, Hauser has done enough to survive past the deadline. He is the best shooter on a team that prioritizes spacing more than anything else offensively. His size allows him to stay on the court defensively and function in more varied lineups. He could still be a trade candidate in the offseason, but the Celtics would like to keep him until the end of the season as he plays a crucial role.
3. Celtics Will Trade a Future First-Round Pick for a Starting Center
The Celtics are too good right now for Brad Stevens not to make a move. The Eastern Conference is up for grabs for Boston, and Stevens is too good a decision-maker to let this opportunity slip. The Celtics can trade two of their first-round picks and add pick swaps for the right player. The chances are that player will be a center.
Neemias Queta has been performing admirably as the starting center, but the Celtics need more depth and quality at the position. Using Simons' salary and at least one first-round pick, Boston could easily acquire a starting-caliber center. Ivica Zubac is no longer a possibility after the Clippers' turnaround. Still, one of Jarrett Allen, Nic Claxton, Myles Turner, or Daniel Gafford could be a Celtic in the next two weeks.