The Boston Celtics are predicted to be the biggest buyers in the NBA trade deadline.
However, what if the Celtics surprise everyone by not making a move? That's not entirely out of the question but there could be some minor trades that they can execute if none of the superstars are available.
One of the obvious targets of the Celtics is Gordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz. Hayward was Boston Coach Brad Stevens' top ward at Butler when they made their Cinderella run. Celtics Blog points out that aside from the connection between the two, Hayward's shooting will definitely fit in with the Boston Celtics.
On the other hand, the Utah Jazz fought hard for Hayward when he entered restricted free agency and they don't seem eager to part with their investment. This could be more difficult than Celtics GM Danny Ainge might think, and Zach Lowe of ESPN agreed.
Lowe points out that "Utah has acted boldly before in the face of tough choices," and there are some continued rumors that Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward would be the players on the block. They are the players they signed to long-term deals so it would be surprising to see the Jazz trade them.
The Jazz has some players that can take on the roles of Hayward and Favors. Rudy Gobert has taken over the big man of the future role and Rodney Hood could also be their main wing.
"Dealing Hayward now would act as a hedge against his free agency and perhaps land Utah a top-five pick -- one last shot at finding that elusive superstar," Lowe pointed out. "The Jazz have to at least think about calling Boston and Brad Stevens, Hayward's college coach, about a deal sending Hayward to the Celtics for the Nets pick, and maybe another first-rounder if Danny Ainge wields his arsenal with the hyperaggression that had Boston dangling four first-round picks for Justise Winslow."
The Celtics, however, has been known to overvalue their assets and "Trader Danny" is a tough customer. The Brooklyn pick is reserved for players like DeMarcus Cousins-although the real value of the pick cannot be determined until after the lottery. This makes the possibility of the deal a bit murky.