The 2023 NBA trade deadline is inching ever closer, producing a wave of projections about what the NBA’s 30 ball clubs might look to do by the end of the business day on Feb. 9. Included among them are projections about the Boston Celtics’ potential trade targets such as a recent article by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley.
In Buckley’s piece, the Celtics are encouraged to look at a trio of potential trade targets who might address concerns the team is reportedly looking to fix in their frontcourt rotation and on the wing. To such an end, the B/R analyst identifies two centers and a forward that might be what Boston needs.
Let’s take a look at the candidates.
Celtics Lab 167: Checking in on Boston trade chatter ahead of the deadline with Jared Weiss https://t.co/8kHlOtwpX8
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Mo Bamba - Orlando Magic - center
“Mo Bamba, the No. 6 pick in 2018, could provide interior insurance now and perhaps grow into a bigger role going forward,” writes Buckley.
“The 24-year-old has been squeezed for floor time in Orlando, but he’s still an intriguing source of length, shot-blocking, and floor-spacing.”
The fit is good as the B/R analyst notes, but the $10.5 million owed for 2022-23 is a bit tough to match, making this move likely only if they can’t find a comparable option on a lower salary in our estimation.
Doug McDermott - San Antonio Spurs - forward
“The veteran sharpshooter owns a career splash rate of 41% (from deep),” writes the B/R expert.
“He’s a savvy enough mover off the ball that he could find his footing alongside Boston’s stars and a good enough inside-the-arc scorer to maintain value even when opponents run him off the 3-point line.”
Given he is earning $13.7 million, this move seems even less likely given it would take an unbalanced trade on Boston’s end sending several players back to match salaries. The fit would be solid on offense, otherwise.
Naz Reid - Minnesota Timberwolves - center
“Reid seems tailor-made for (as a reserve most nights but starting at times) since he can make an impact off the bench or hold his own with the first five when needed for a spot start,” suggests Buckley, and we couldn’t agree more.
“An active rebounder, skilled scorer from inside and out and high-energy player, he brings enough positives to snag a spot in Boston’s postseason rotation.”
Frankly, in our estimation, given Reid only makes $1.8 million on an expiring deal, he is perhaps the best trade target out there for Boston not only for the reasons B/R notes but also because the Celtics would be in a position to retain him if needed.
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