This season was expected to be a tough one for the Boston Celtics. General manager Brad Stevens had to make some big moves and part ways with most of the championship core for salary cap purposes, and Jayson Tatum's injury was another big blow to their aspirations.
Fast forward to today, and Joe Mazzulla's team has fared better than anticipated. However, they still have some issues to address with this roster, and with December 15th zooming in, Stevens will have to work overtime to find the pieces this team needs.
That's when the players who signed a contract in the offseason will be eligible for a trade. And, after watching several teams already look like they will focus on the NBA Draft, the Celtics should have no shortage of options to choose from. Here, we'll take a look at some of them.
3. Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez hasn't looked like his usual self this season. The former Milwaukee Bucks star has been one of many struggling players for the Los Angeles Clippers, and his best days are clearly behind him. That being said, he could provide some of the floor spacing and basketball IQ this team lost when Al Horford left.
The Clippers have no incentive to tank because they don't own their first-round pick, so they could be looking to make moves to help them compete. That might include shedding the former NBA champion, who could probably be gotten at a low price.
He's currently averaging 6.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, and he hasn't been much of a factor on defense. Even so, he's a career 35 percent shooter from beyond the arc, and Mazzulla can certainly hide him on defense.
2. Clint Capela
The jumbo Houston Rockets are thriving on both sides of the glass and on the defensive end of the floor. That being said, they haven't had much use for Clint Capela in his return to Houston. So far, he's played just 9.9 minutes per game.
While no longer in his prime, Capela is still a rim-running big man who can clean the glass, alter some shots, and be efficient in the pick-and-roll. He's physical and would be an upgrade over Neemias Queta.
Capela is averaging just under 12 points and over 15 rebounds with 1.6 steals and 1.8 blocks per game per 36 minutes. He's a proven veteran with plenty of playoff experience who could either start or come off the bench.
1. Kevon Looney
Kevon Looney has always been a part of a winning organization, so he might not be thrilled with his current situation with the New Orleans Pelicans. Once again, they're closer to bottoming out than to the playoffs.
On top of that, rookie Derik Queen has established himself as a starter lately, leaving the three-time NBA champion as a bit of an afterthought. He's still more than capable of making an impact on a winning team, and that's not going to happen in the Big Easy.
While not the most proficient scorer, Looney has proven that he can play lockdown defense and shut down some of the best big men in the game. He's worth the gamble at a discount, especially with a Pelicans team that will most likely be very active at the trade deadline.