Celtics Connected to Several Wings Before Trade Deadline
In addition to their three first-round picks from 2024–2027 and their $6.2 million Grant Williams TPE to assist facilitate a transaction, the Celtics will also have three second-round picks in the next round.
The Boston Celtics are 38-12, the best record in the NBA, as the trade deadline of February 8 draws near. To fill their open roster place, they might defend remaining the same and signing Neemias Queta to a full-time deal instead of a two-way one.
They’re said to be active in the trade market as they look for ways to strengthen their bench ahead of the playoffs, and that may end up being their final course of action.
Boston will have three second-round picks in the 2019 draft in addition to their first-round picks from 2024–2027 and a $6.2 million Grant Williams traded player exception (TPE).
The Celtics may decide to utilize a portion of their draft capital to sign Lonnie Walker IV, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. In 18.8 minutes, the 25-year-old guard is scoring 12 points on average and shooting 43.6 percent on five three-point tries. Several playoff teams are interested in dealing for him because of this.
The Brooklyn Nets and the 18th overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft inked a one-year, $2.3 million contract in the summer.
Otto Porter Jr. was another player Fischer brought up as a possible acquisition for the club leading the NBA. Fitting into the Grant Williams TPE, the ten-year veteran increases the likelihood that, should Boston make a trade, it will be for a player whose contract it can absorb by using the traded player exception.
Although the 30-year-old forward’s deal is set to expire at $6.3 million, clubs can use a transfer player option (TPE) to take on a salary that is up to $100,000 higher than the contract’s worth.
Porter, though, is a strong contender for a buyout. Since joining the Toronto Raptors in the summer of 2022, he has only appeared in 23 games due to injuries. However, the former Hoya from Georgetown helped the Golden State Warriors defeat the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals of 2022.
Interested parties will be considering the 2013 Draft’s third-overall selection, hoping that his performance will complement his intelligence and experience.
Oshae Brissett has made a strong argument to become the big wing that the Celtics have been searching for, even if Porter still has place on the roster.
Joe Mazzulla, the head coach of Brissett, said during practice on Tuesday, “He’s done a great job earning the trust of the coach, the players, and just making winning plays.” When we began him in (against) Miami for his debut game, he altered the tone of the match. Over the past week and a half, he has developed in his understanding of offense, matchup awareness, and how to affect our
The challenging aspect of him, though, is that he always plays with changing lineups. He sometimes plays alongside Al (Horford), sometimes with Luke (Kornet), and occasionally with Kristaps Porzingis (KP). He has, nevertheless, excelled at offensive rebounding. His spatial awareness is excellent. He has performed admirably in carrying out defensive coverages, and his presence always invigorates the team.”
Brissett feels that minutes that could have gone to Porter are better off.
Additional Reading
Marcus Smart Talks About How Boston Shaped Him and His Advice for Celtics Supporters
Jayson Tatum Talks About His Thoughts Upon Witnessing Celtics Supporters Appreciate Marcus Smart
According to reports, the Celtics are interested in many rotation players.
‘Don’t Feel Sorry for Yourself,’ Derrick White Says About His Shooting Slump After Leading the Celtics Past the Pelicans
