KEY POINTS

  • The Boston Celtics will be an interesting team to watch before the NBA trade deadline
  • Boston needs a big man or a winger to ramp up the team's postseason chances
  • Tristan Thompson is eligible for trade and could be on the Celtic's wish list

The Boston Celtics know that their current crop is talented, but adding more would be ideal.

The Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks have toughened up, prompting the duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to get all the help they needed as the season gets deeper.

The Celtics do have a $28.7 million trade exception, something that was created following the sign-and-trade deal of Gordon Hayward to the Charlotte Hornets.

It is a whopping amount that top brass Danny Ainge could use. However, the question is who will they target?

Regardless, Boston is a team that NBA executives are keeping tabs with. They believe that the Celtics are up to something, and it will happen before the NBA trade deadline on Mar. 25.

As far as who they will target, no specific name has been mentioned. But according to The Ringer, the Celtics are likely to look for a big man or a wingman.

As Ainge explained on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher and Rich, they are looking for “shooting with size.”

A reason behind this is to keep in step with the Nets, Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers. There is no question that these teams have become tougher with their frontline unit.

However, head coach Brad Stevens could also opt for added firepower. Having to rely only on Tatum and Brown, all depends on the health status of Kemba Walker.

The 30-year-old is coming off a knee injury, and the Celtics are trying to incrementally ease him into the fray. Things are a bit complicated with Marcus Smart also out due to an injury.

The two guards leave the Celtics with a big void. But if one looks at their trajectory, both could be back in time after some months. Hence, it makes sense to target a big man or a winger.

Tristan Thompson #13 of the Boston Celtics
Tristan Thompson #13 of the Boston Celtics Getty Images | Meg Oliphant

Among the names that come to mind include PJ Tucker of the Houston Rockets, Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic, or even John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks.

Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings could also be a target. Clearly, Ainge has options.

He could also up the stakes a bit if he includes a player. Tristan Thompson is also trade eligible and the Canadian could be tempting to get.

For now, there is no clarity. The Celtics are likely assessing team needs before making their move.

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