As the 2022-23 NBA season inches closer to the 2023 trade deadline in February, fans will begin to clamor for action on that front even among teams like the Boston Celtics after they have reclaimed the top record in the league.
And it is by no means guaranteed that the Celtics’ recent turbulence on the parquet is entirely behind them — nor that Boston is free from holes in their roster that could come back to bite them in the postseason. But based on the performance of the players they have thus far, their fairly pricy tax bill, and the chemistry behind it all, we shouldn’t expect a big move if any come at all.
But with that in mind, the CLNS Media “Celtics Lab” podcast put together five targets Boston might target on the cheap who can help the team in places it could be stronger.
Kenrich Williams - forward - OKC Thunder
2022-23 salary: $2 million
Williams is 28 years old on a team trying to tank in the latter stages of a rebuild, meaning the Thunder will not likely be especially attached to the 6-foot-6 swingman.
Able to provide solid enough spacing, rebounding, and passing in a backup role with OKC, Williams might be an ideal option to help Boston’s frontcourt finish the season with rested legs but also be able to play down to the 3 a bit.
JaMychal Green - forward - Golden State Warriors
2022-23 salary: $1.8 million
If the Dubs can’t salvage their season in the absence of Stephen Curry and decide to sell off parts, Boston might have interest in Green as a floor-spacing forward with more size and a better shot than Williams.
While a more limited prospect on the other end of the court, Green would be a solid option off the bench on nights when Sam Hauser is off — or Al Horford needs some rest.
Thomas Bryant - center - Los Angeles Lakers
2022-23 salary: $1.8
Bryan spurned Boston in search of a bigger role, but if LA’s season goes the way it looks like it will, the Lakers might be wise to try and pick up a second-rounder for his services.
A solid backup big man the Celtics sought after for a reason this offseason, Bryant adds not just the sort of heft at the five they currently lack, but can also shoot from deep well enough to keep a five-out option available without Al Horford that isn’t exceptionally small.
Javonte Green - wing - Chicago Bulls
2022-23 salary: $1.8 million
This isn’t just our idea for nostalgia’s sake; per Heavy’s Sean Deveney, the Celtics have been keeping tabs on Green, noted friend of Jayson Tatum and Swiss Army knife-like wing.
With the sort of length and bounce that lets him play up to the 3 and even the 4 in small-ball lineups, the Radford alum can convert his otherworldly athleticism with an improved shooting that could help spell the Jays through a long season.
Nick Richards - center - Charlotte Hornets
2022-23 salary: $1.7 million
With a small army of younger centers in need of floor time to develop or a more clear-cut future with the team, 25-year-old Richards offers a strong defensive interior presence in a similar vein to Bryant with additional size as a true 7-footer.
And while Richards may lack Bryant’s shooting, he’s also more likely to become available sooner should the Celtics feel they need additional stoutness to counter some of the length that has given them trouble this season.
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
