Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics could still be players in the trade market, with the team having plenty of assets to flip into additional key players or another proven star to boost their title hopes.
After a fairly successful summer that saw them sign Al Horford, the Celtics head into the regular season with hopes of becoming stronger contenders in the league. But while Horford would take the Celtics into the next level of their game, the team needs one more proven star to solidify their chances for an 18th banner, thus making sense of Boston's attempts to trade for the likes of Blake Griffin and Kevin Love.
However, while the Celtics may have plenty of tradable assets, blockbusters deals like these are not easily attainable, which may force Boston to consider dealing for available veterans in the market. Such deals won't probably require the Celtics to give up too much, but should see them depart with key players of their own.
According to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE, one of the Celtics players that could be readily available and draw the most interest from other teams is Kelly Olynyk.
Olynyk has yet to come back from a season-ending shoulder injury, but prior to his setback, the 25-year-old center was a key contributor for the Celtics during the regular season, averaging 10.0 points and 4.1 rebounds a game.
Dealing Olynyk alone would not likely to give the Celtics valuable return, but packaging him with Avery Bradley should do the trick for the Cs to acquire veteran help. Here are some of the available talents the Celtics could pry in a potential deal that includes Olynyk and Bradley.
Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia 76ers
Okafor has been deemed an expendable piece in Philadelphia, with the 76ers looking to address their crowded frontcourt. The Celtics have shown interests in acquiring the 20-year-old center earlier in the summer, and any fondness of trading for Okafor may still be on the table.
Okafor would provide the Celtics another scoring big man to pair with Horford. Okafor, who averaged 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game last season, could be the Celtics' starting center, allowing Horford to flourish on the offensive end at the four spot.
Trading Okafor for Olynyk makes little sense for the 76ers as it would still give them a crowded frontcourt. But including Bradley, who can add depth to Philly's backcourt, may give the Sixers something to think about.
Rudy Gay, Sacramento Kings
Rudy Gay was on the trading block this summer, but the Kings failed to find any destination for the 30-year-old forward. But with Gay confirming he will opt out of his contract after this season, the Kings may consider trading him for anything in return.
Gay would give the Celtics another versatile player at the small forward position. Gay can be an offensive threat off the bench for the Celtics, and his ability to create his own shots should help take some pressure off Horford.
A deal consisting of Olynyk and Bradley should be able to convince the Kings to ultimately part ways with Gay. Same as to the trade scenario with the 76ers, it would make little sense for the Kings to add another center into their already stacked frontcourt, but adding Bradley to any potential deal should sweeten up the pot for Sacramento, who is lacking backcourt talent this season.
Monta Ellis, Indiana Pacers
The Pacers attempted to shop Ellis this summer, but failed to do so, with teams having little interest for the 30-year-old shooting guard. However, with Indiana having plenty of other options at the backcourt, it is possible the Pacers revisit trade talks for Ellis this season.
Ellis would provide the Celtics another scorer and ball-handler who could take off pressure from lead point guard Isaiah Thomas. Bringing in Ellis, who averaged 13.8 points and 4.7 assists per game last season, would also create a dynamic backcourt with Thomas, giving the team two capable playmakers and outside threats.
The Pacers have a thin rotation at the frontcourt, particularly at the center position. Adding Olynyk provides Indiana an option if Al Jefferson fails to remain healthy, while Bradley would give the Pacers' backcourt a defensive player to cover complement the offensive-laden rotation of Jeff Teague, Rodney Stuckey and Aaron Brooks.
It is unclear whether the Celtics would develop any interests in acquiring Ellis, but should it happen, sending Olynyk and Bradley should the trick for Boston.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
