This year’s NBA trade deadline has already been fascinating from a league-wide perspective, and there’s still several hours left (as I post this at 8 AM EST). Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler, and Brandon Ingram have already been moved, just to name a few.
The Celtics got in on the action by shipping off Jaden Springer yesterday, saving $15M in the process. While I would have enjoyed keeping him around for some spot defensive minutes, I don’t think this moves the needle this year and he was not going to be playing in the playoffs anyway.
The team now has 2 open roster spots and they have to fill at least one of them. That could be a simple as converting Drew Peterson and/or JD Davison from 2 way contracts to NBA deals. They could also bring in a free agent or buyout player or two (likely after the deadline). Just remember that they can’t sign anyone that made over the MLE this season due to the 2nd apron rules.
I would not expect the Celtics to make any major moves. In theory Brad could keep an eye on future flexibility by making a move now that makes more sense under the 2nd apron going forward. However, I think he should take heed of a lesson learned from the history of this team.
In 2011 Danny Ainge moved Kendrick Perkins for Jeff Green and a first rounder. From an abstract perspective, that’s actually fairly decent value. The problem was that the trade seemed to send shudders through the lockerroom and messed with the chemistry of that team. Note that all of the statements above have been debated for the past 14 years, so take with a grain of salt. The point here is that we have a good thing going with this team right now and I wouldn’t be in any hurry to shake things up, even if the value seems right.
So we’ll largely be bystanders for the rest of trade deadline day, but it could still be an interesting day from a Celtics perspective. We’ve already seen the Heat reshaped (RIP Heat Culture) and the Bucks swap out Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma (long live this meme). We’ll have to see if any of the other Eastern Conference contenders make any significant moves (sorry Sixers, you don’t count).
There are some familiar names floating out there as well. Daniel Theis already got moved to OKC. Marcus Smart’s name is in a lot of rumors lately. Robert Williams III and Guerschon Yabusele have as well. So that’s something to watch as well.
Use this post thread for all your comments and reactions below. Enjoy the day!
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