NBA · 1 year ago

NBA Trade Deadline: 4 Final Puzzle Pieces Celtics Should Target

John Canady

Host · Writer

Honorable Mention: John Konchar, Memphis Grizzlies
John Konchar may not be a name many people know, but he's one of those guys who impacts the game in more ways than the stat sheet shows. The 27-year-old hasn't been a focal point of the Grizzlies rotation by any means, but in 18.4 minutes a night, Konchar makes his presence known when he gets a chance to put his mark on the game. Only averaging 3.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season, a deal to bring him to Boston may not reach the hype many expect, but his hustle and basketball IQ would make him a great role player to pair with this Celtics roster.
NBA Trade Deadline: 4 Final Puzzle Pieces Celtics Should Target
The Boston Celtics sit atop the NBA with the best record in the league. With six starter-quality players on their roster, Boston arguably has the best starting five out of all 30 teams. And while the C's are the betting favorites (+280) to win the NBA Finals, Brad Stevens knows that his squad still has a few weaknesses. However, the Celtics are one of many teams over the tax apron and don't have many salary-filling options to move without trading an essential piece of their core. However, with multiple future draft picks at their disposal, along with their $6.2 million traded player exception created in the team's offseason trade of Grant Williams.

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, an addition ahead of Thursday's deadline could put the Celtics over the top. Here are some names to watch for the Eastern Conference contender.
Saddiq Bey, Atlanta Hawks
Saddiq Bey is only 24 years old and has shown nothing but promise since entering the league in 2020. After being dealt to the Hawks during last year's trade deadline, Atlanta has reportedly considered moving Bey just one year after acquiring him from the Pistons. The Villanova product is averaging 13.2 points and 6.2 rebounds this season. With the Celtics looking for depth in their frontcourt, a versatile and young wing like Bey could be the perfect fit, not to mention his $4.5 million salary fits perfectly into the team's available TPE.
Nick Richards, Charlotte Hornets
Nick Richards has been a player that multiple contending teams have kept their eyes on as the Hornets are expected to have a firesale towards the deadline. The big man is in his fourth NBA season and putting together a career-high average of 9.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. Shooting an impressive 68.8% from the floor, Richards has all the tools to be a more than promising backup big man for a contender. Some may even argue that the Kentucky alum has what it takes to be a serviceable starter. Nonetheless, his $5 million salary would also fit into the Celtics' available TPE. Richards would be a massive addition to bolster Boston's frontcourt, the team's most significant hole on the roster.
Naji Marshall, New Orleans Pelicans
Naji Marshall is another frontcourt option the Celtics have been linked to ahead of the deadline. The Pelicans forward has shown that he can be a contributing role player for any team, and his ability to stretch the floor would make him a perfect fit with the Celtics and Mazzulla ball. Averaging 7.5 points and 3.5 rebounds, Marshall shoots a consistent 45.5% from field goal range and 37.9% from three. The 26-year-old is in the final year of his contract, but his $1.9 million salary would allow the Celtics to make a move while being able to potentially use their TPE on another move to reinforce their bench unit.
Delon Wright, Washington Wizards
Delon Wright has been a player that the Celtics have been intrigued with for a while now. The two-way guard has been a bit of a journeyman as of late, but he's shown that he could be the perfect role player on a championship team. Wright can create for others, knock down the open shot, and defend. However, Wright's $8.1 million salary would be tricky for the Celtics to match without giving up a key player like Payton Pritchard in a potential deal. Nonetheless, if they had enough interest, Brad Stevens and his financial guru, Mike Zarren, could get the deal done.
Honorable Mention: John Konchar, Memphis Grizzlies
John Konchar may not be a name many people know, but he's one of those guys who impacts the game in more ways than the stat sheet shows. The 27-year-old hasn't been a focal point of the Grizzlies rotation by any means, but in 18.4 minutes a night, Konchar makes his presence known when he gets a chance to put his mark on the game. Only averaging 3.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season, a deal to bring him to Boston may not reach the hype many expect, but his hustle and basketball IQ would make him a great role player to pair with this Celtics roster.
NBA Trade Deadline: 4 Final Puzzle Pieces Celtics Should Target
The Boston Celtics sit atop the NBA with the best record in the league. With six starter-quality players on their roster, Boston arguably has the best starting five out of all 30 teams. And while the C's are the betting favorites (+280) to win the NBA Finals, Brad Stevens knows that his squad still has a few weaknesses. However, the Celtics are one of many teams over the tax apron and don't have many salary-filling options to move without trading an essential piece of their core. However, with multiple future draft picks at their disposal, along with their $6.2 million traded player exception created in the team's offseason trade of Grant Williams.

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, an addition ahead of Thursday's deadline could put the Celtics over the top. Here are some names to watch for the Eastern Conference contender.

NBA Trade Deadline: 4 Final Puzzle Pieces Celtics Should Target

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos