Kosta Koufos (Photo : Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics could eye deals for Kosta Koufos or Kyle O'Quinn as the team continues to further improve their lineup.
The Celtics could still be on the hunt for major trades in the market, according to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald. But if big names like DeMarcus Cousins and Jimmy Butler are off the table for Boston, the team could consider chasing after cheaper alternatives to address their needs.
FanRag Sports writer Matthew Schmidt listed affordable big men in the trade market the Celtics could pursue. Among the names included in the proposed trade deals are Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos and New York Knicks big man Kyle O'Quinn.
Adding the likes of Koufos or O'Quinn would help the Celtics improve their interior defense and add big bodies who could clog the lane inside the paint. Their presence would allow Al Horford to flourish more on the offensive end and would take off some pressure in crashing the offensive boards.
Both Koufos and O'Quinn are on very team-friendly contracts. Koufos, who is averaging 5.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this season, is under team control through 2018, while O'Quinn, who scores 5.2 points and grabs 4.6 rebounds a game, is also locked up in the next two years with a player option for 2018-2019.
With the Kings in deep need of backcourt talent, the Celtics could trade Marcus Smart or Terry Rozier for Koufos. On the other hand, Boston could deal Amir Johnson's expiring contract to the Knicks, who could use another scoring big man.
CNS New England A. Sherrod Blakely reported that the Celtics could be interested in pursuing Andrew Bogut, who is a likely trade candidate for the reeling Dallas Mavericks. However, Bogut's recent injury should cloud any reports of Boston trading for the one-time NBA champ, which could open up other options like Koufos and O'Quinn.
It remains to be seen whether the Celtics would consider such deal, but it is a possibility they could settle for minor changes before the deadline if no blockbuster trades are available.
