NBA Trade Rumors: Boston Celtics Eyeing Jerami Grant, All-Star Center Before Deadline

Every year it seems that the Boston Celtics are linked to one of the best available players ahead of the trade deadline. This season is no different with rumors swirling that struggling teams may part ways with notable players.

Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant is one of Boston’s top trade targets, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports.

Grant, 26, has been the best player on the East’s worst team. In the first season of a three-year, $60 million contract, he is averaging career highs with 23.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

The Celtics are also reportedly interested in Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic.

Vucevic, 30, made the All-Star team with averages of 24.6 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. He has been a top scorer on a Magic team that is just ahead of the Pistons for last place in the conference.

Detroit and Orlando are expected to be sellers at the March 25 trade deadline. Boston could be buyers after a disappointing first half of the season. Entering the year with championship aspirations, the Celtics have barely won half their games and don’t appear to be in the same class as the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers or Milwaukee Bucks.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Boston will pull the trigger on a trade. The Celtics last executed an in-season trade six years ago. There have been rumors that Boston might acquire the likes of Paul George or Jimmy Butler in previous seasons, but the Celtics stood pat.

Even if Boston makes a strong offer for Grant, a deal might not get done. The Pistons have no interest in trading Grant, The Athletic’s James Edwards reports. Any offer for Vucevic would have to be “massive,” rival executives tell The Athletic.

The Hornets are also reportedly interested in Vucevic.