The NBA trade deadline is this Thursday, February 8, and the Boston Celtics have reportedly been active in looking to add some bench depth to the team’s depth chart. According to Yahoo Sports reporter Jake Fischer, the Celtics are eyeing two veterans in particular who could help round out the roster with the postseason on the horizon.
Fischer reported Otto Porter Jr of the Toronto Raptors could be a viable option for the Celtics. Likewise, Brooklyn Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV is also a name to keep an eye on. Either could provide an upgrade to Boston’s bench, as well as offer injury insurance.
The Celtics have a traded player exception worth approximately $6.25 million thanks to the sign-and-trade deal that sent Grant Williams to the Dallas Mavericks. This gives Boston a little more flexibility in bringing in a player without needing to send out too much salary.
Celtics Lab 239: Previewing Boston's 2024 NBA trade deadline possibilities with Jack Simone https://t.co/YylXtT2oMt pic.twitter.com/Lurc0mNHwm
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 6, 2024
Porter is an established veteran with a championship ring to his name. But he has struggled to see consistent playing time this season thanks to health concerns, and he may not be the missing piece Boston is looking for.
Walker, meanwhile, is having a very effective season with the Nets. He’s averaging 12.0 points in 18.8 minutes per game while shooting a career-best 43.6% on 3-pointers. If Brooklyn does indeed begin to ship out players as some around the league have speculated, Walker would be an instant weapon for the Celtics off the bench.
Boston is the top team in the Eastern Conference, and under no pressure to make a move. Still, it appears as if the Celtics will at least kick the tires on a potential trade, whether a deal materializes or not. Take every report and NBA trade rumor with a grain of salt until then.
Top Boston Celtics trade targets ahead of the 2024 NBA trade deadline https://t.co/SUoXl1JdRE pic.twitter.com/gNtwICXTZM
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 7, 2024
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