What do the Boston Celtics need at the NBA’s 2024 trade deadline? For much of the early part of the league’s 2023-24 season, the conventional wisdom was that it would be a trade for a big man to help shore up the Celtics’ frontcourt rotation.
But the team’s frontcourt players have done much to suggest that while that might remain a priority, it is a lesser one. At least in comparison to playoff-ready wing depth, of which Boston may not have any after their All-NBA wings in Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Sam Hauser might fit that bill, but has not been especially effective in the past when given run in the postseason.
For that reason, Celtics team president Brad Steven’s recent suggestion that the team will be looking to add a big wing to the team’s rotation did not come as a massive surprise. Nor does the fact that many NBA analysts agree.
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A pair of such analysts can be found at The Athletic, where the wing is the area of need for both Jay King and Jared Weiss. For King, Boston is largely set in terms of major concerns, but the wing stands out as an area to look for improvement on the trade market.
“As long as (Boston is) healthy, their top-six players will handle the vast majority of playoff minutes,” writes King. “Still, they should look for one more option on the wing.”
“Oshae Brissett has contributed recently with his energy, but Brad Stevens should be on the lookout for more depth at that spot, just in case his team ends up needing it.”
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Weiss lands at more or less the same place, writing that “when the GM of the team says it’s their need, it’s probably their need,” reminding us that Stevens noted the big wing could come from a player who is already on the team’s roster — but like King, has reservations about what he has seen so far there.
“The Celtics are essentially limited to the $6.2 million Grant Williams trade exception, so finding someone who is an upgrade won’t be easy,” suggests Weiss. “Their best hope to maximize their return is likely as a third team in a larger deal, but they will likely get some deal done regardless. ”
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Options like Jonathan Kuminga, Jae’Sean Tate or Saddiq Bey fit the mold of what the Celtics should be after. But whether a player like that can be pried free from their current situation is a dubious proposition barring luck on Boston’s end.
But there might be options more attainable like Simone Fontecchio, Torrey Craig, or Keita Bates-Diop who might yet be an upgrade over the larger wings currently on Boston’s roster.
Or not! Team president Brad Stevens certainly has his work cut out for him in any trade he tries to make this season given the restrictions his roster construction and the league’s new collective bargaining agreement have put Boston.
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