Through 33 games, the Boston Celtics hold the NBA’s best record at 26–7, but that’s not stopping president of basketball operations Brad Stevens from looking to improve the team as it pursues its first championship since 2008.
After the offseason supermax contract extension of Jaylen Brown, the trade and subsequent extension of center Kristaps Porzingis and the looming supermax extension of Jayson Tatum, Boston is certainly limited in what it can acquire at the deadline to shore up roster weaknesses that will fit within its salary cap limitations.
Stevens acknowledged both the desire to improve the roster, but challenges that await.
“There’s not a lot we can do big without touching our main guys,” Stevens told reporters on Thursday. “I don’t know if it will be a game-changer.”
Stevens also noted that he’s been happy with the frontcourt rotation featuring Porzingis, Al Horford, Luke Kornet and two-way player Neemias Queta, and that he’d prefer to add another “big wing.”
Brad Stevens said a couple of times today that the Celtics are limited with trade resources. He did mention they will be looking for another big wing, but said that could come from within as well.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) January 4, 2024
Boston remains one of the major contenders for the NBA title, as it has been over the last few seasons. However, this Celtics team has a different look than years past after Marcus Smart was traded to Memphis in the offseason as part of the deal to acquire Porzingis from Washington. Center Robert Williams was also traded to Portland in a deal to acquire Jrue Holiday, who has performed well in Boston all season long.
The Celtics host the Utah Jazz in Boston on Friday night as they look to continue to press forward as one of the top teams in basketball.
