NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics Starters Off The Block, Rotation Guys Possible

The Boston Celtics are unlikely to be among the major movers this Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline. No other than team president Danny Ainge made it known that he has no intention of dealing away any of his top five guys. However, the case is a bit different for players coming off the bench.

According to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, an unidentified general manager says Boston has no plans of breaking up its top five players. This means that Kemba Walker, Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart won't be changing zip codes at least for the current NBA season.

If there is any deal happening, the closest thing to seeing it is players coming off the bench. But seeing that most of these rotation guys are contributing well, it may take a lot to convince Boston to engage in a trade.

Looking at the Celtics campaign this 2019-20 NBA season, it certainly does not make sense to deal away any of their players. They sport a 34-15 win-loss record in the Eastern Conference for the third spot.

Looking at the protected list of the Celtics, it can be observed that a glaring void is the center position. The rumor mill has been abuzz about a potential trade with the names of Andre Drummond and Karl-Anthony Towns being suggested. As of this writing, these have not gone beyond unofficial murmurs although anything can still happen if the right assets are offered.

This could also douse water on the belief that Kevin Love was an option. The All-Star forward owns a hefty contract, meaning it would take so much to get him to play for the Bean Town squad.

Though they are likely weighing their options, the Celtics are looking to improve in certain facets. They do have Turkish big man Enes Kanter in the fold but could use more help in the middle. If there is no sensible trade coming their way, the Cs may just explore the free-agent market for big men who can help out in protecting the rim and controlling the boards. Also, that would be a cost-efficient alternative with Boston likely to spend on a minimum deal.

Regardless, the Celtics seem to be doing fine with their current roster. They have won four games in a row although the scenario is expected to change once the NBA playoffs begin.