Al Horford and Jimmy Butler (Photo : TNS via Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics could hit two birds in one stone in a potential offseason blockbuster deal that would give the team the star players they need.
The Celtics have long been considered to be looking for star players, who could put Boston back to title contention. Last year, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge wished for a "go-to-scorer," whom they have yet to acquire following a quiet trade deadline.
This coming offseason, the Celtics and Ainge could have their wish fulfilled, with the team rumored to be on a potential blockbuster deal that would acquire them Chicago Bulls' rising star Jimmy Butler, who could also be the deciding factor for Atlanta Hawks star Al Horford to join Boston this summer, according to Bleacher Report's Dan Favale.
In Favale's blockbuster trade scenario, the Celtics would send Avery Bradley, Jonas Jerebko, Terry Rozier, and the No. 3 and No. 16 pick for Butler. The Celtics would receive their go-to-guy in Butler, who has established himself as one of the league's perennial All-Star, while the Bulls get a ton of young assets and picks essential for Chicago's immediate rebuild.
Butler has been involved to several trade rumors prior to the Feb. 18 deadline, but the Bulls were able to keep hold of the two-time All-Star. However, following Chicago's disappointing season that saw them miss out on the playoffs for the first time in seven years, the Bulls could consider rebuilding and trading their remaining star for young assets and draft picks.
By adding in Butler, the Celtics would also have the chance to lure Horford into Beantown, with Boston having a projected max salary cap of $53.3 million, which would suffice in absorbing Butler's contract and offering Horford a max deal.
Favale noted that Horford would be a perfect fit in Brad Stevens' system, giving the Celtics their first "legitimate post-up weapon since Kevin Garnett." However, Favale also argued it would take Boston to give up their own free agents in Jared Sullinger and Evan Turner to sign Horford, although it would probably be worth the risk, considering the 30-year-old's ability to impact a team.
The Celtics would probably make major acquisitions in the offseason, especially after considering the possibility of what Boston could achieve with a star in their fold. With the Celtics having all the assets to make a blockbuster trade and a splashy signing in free agency, all they need to is swing for the fence.
