Celtics Trade Former First-Round Pick in Projected Early-Season Move

The Boston Celtics have the best all-around roster in the NBA. One of the strongest starting fives in the league, bolstered by the likes of Al Horford, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser off the bench, the Celtics don't need any upgrades to win their second consecutive championship this season.

Plus, the Celtics don't have the flexibility or the resources to make any significant trades at the deadline. Since they are in the second apron, they are not allowed to aggregate players in a deal or take back more salary than they send out. This seriously limits the moves they can make during the season.

One thing they can and will likely do, however, is to reduce their tax bill. As one of the most expensive teams in the league, it behooves the ownership to cut some salary while potentially adding another player who can help in the rotation.

The best way to do that is through trading Jaden Springer and his $4 million contract. In fact, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto already reported that the Celtics have been trying to trade him.

Jack Anderson of the CelticsBlog identified a few trade targets GM Brad Stevens might be able to acquire with Springer. Draft capital would need to be added next to Springer, but the Celtics may find a player who can give them more than the former first-round pick has so far.

One name that comes to mind is Shake Milton of the Brooklyn Nets.

In a fully healthy Celtics rotation, Milton would obviously not play any rotation minutes. However, the Celtics would ideally rest some of their older players throughout the regular season, and having capable deep bench options can help them secure the No. 1 overall seed in the playoffs.

Milton can score in a pinch, is a solid shooter, and has playmaking chops that he flashed during his Sixers days and this year with the Nets. He could act as an emergency backup if Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, or Pritchard misses any time.

This type of move will likely not make or break the Celtics, but it can't hurt to have competent players at the end of your bench.

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