Jimmy Butler (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics are just days away from making a decision whether to cash in on blockbuster deals or settle with minimal upgrades and keep their tradable assets this season.
The Celtics have secured themselves a playoff spot, with the team currently sitting at second place in the Eastern Conference. Boston has emerged as a strong contender in the postseason, thanks to Isaiah Thomas' stellar displays and the team's collective effort, but the Celtics still lack another go-to-guy to help improve their chances of getting back to the NBA Finals.
According to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, the Celtics are expected to become major players on the trade market. Bulpett quoted one general manager saying that the Celtics could be part of any moves, with the team having plenty of trade chips to facilitate either a major trade or join as a third-party facilitator in a potential mega deal.
Whether it is going to be an NBA landscape-altering decision or slightly tinkering the roster remains to be seen, but the Celtics are in pole position to acquire any of the team's potential trade target before the February 23 deadline.
Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic is one of players the Celtics are interested in, according to CSNNE's A. Sherrod Blakely.
"CSNNE.com has learned that the Celtics have talked with the Orlando Magic about a potential deal involving the 26-year-old center," Blakely wrote. "While no deal is imminent, the addition of Vucevic would be a significant boost to the Celtics roster on multiple fronts."
Vucevic would instantly address the Celtics' need of a rebounding big man, who could also complement Al Horford's game. While Vucevic isn't exactly a rim-protector, his presence inside the paint would still be an upgrade over other frontcourt players Boston has.
Another name the Celtics could consider is Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel, who has been the topic of trade rumors this season.
There may not be any rush for Philadelphia to address their frontcourt logjam, but Noel remains a likely trade piece for the 76ers. Noel, who is set to become a restricted free agent this coming summer, would be an ideal fit for the Celtics, given his athleticism and ability to protect the rim.
However, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer believes the Sixers may have a hard time dealing Noel because of his contract situation. For the Celtics, it means they could possibly end up getting a one-year rental if they fail to match offers given to Noel come free agency.
If the Celtics are looking for major trades, Chicago Bulls star Jimmy Butler the topic of such conversation. Butler has been linked to the Celtics since draft night, when Boston attempted to deal their pick for the two-time All-Star. According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype, many executives believe the Bulls and Celtics could revisit talks of a potential Butler trade.
"With so much drama behind the scenes in Chicago and with Boston owning a ton of attractive trade chips (perhaps the most of any team in the NBA), it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Bulls and Celtics revive their negotiations," Kennedy wrote.
Bringing in Butler would do wonders for the Celtics on both ends of the floor. The 27-year-old forward can serve as the team's go-to-guy and would instantly put Boston almost at par with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the caveat of such move is giving up a ton of trade assets, including picks and a handful of key players, who have been playing essential roles in the team's success this season.
It is unclear whether the Celtics would go all-in for Butler or any of the players mentioned, but it is certain the Cs have all the tools to make any deals work.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
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