Gordon Hayward (L) and Greg Monroe. (Photo : Getty Images)
After the Boston Celtics struck out of their primary trade targets this summer, recent reports revealed that the NBA's winningest club is still looking for a deal to upgrade its roster. Rumored to be in their sights as backup options are Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward and Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe.
The Celtics had been linked to several high-profile trades in the past few weeks, which includes All-Stars Russell Westbrook, Blake Griffin, Jimmy Butler, DeMarcus Cousins, and incoming sophomore Jahlil Okafor.
However, after so much speculations, Boston has only been able to pull off two significant moves so far this offseason. One was the free-agency signing of All-Star center Al Horford and the other was the selection of California forward Jaylen Brown with their third overall pick in this year's NBA Draft.
Just recently, Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler reported that the Celtics are trying to "pry away" Hayward from the Jazz and would also like to test the Bucks' interest in completing a deal involving Monroe, who is said to be still on Milwaukee's trading block.
Kyler said that Utah may be considering to deal Hayward this summer while his value is still at its highest as the 26-year-old wingman has a player option next year when he can choose to become an unrestricted free agent.
There were speculations that the former Butler standout is unhappy in Utah and wants to leave next summer. Team officials had since denied those rumors, but Boston would still like to "check the temperature" on that situation.
Boston's interest in Hayward was indicated by Fansided last month, saying that the ballclub is actually trying to trade their third overall pick, which eventually became Brown, for Hayward before the draft.
The Celtics also has a strong chance of luring Monroe "as there is a continued belief that the Bucks would like to move" the out-of-place veteran big man, according to Kyler.
While Monroe's greatest weakness is on the defensive end, he should be a great asset on offense for Boston. However, the report noted that his "fit next to Al Horford seems like an unlikely pairing", but a low asking price may be too good to pass up for Danny Ainge and company.
