The Celtics were expected to be quite active this offseason and they haven’t disappointed. Flush with salary-cap room and extra draft picks, Boston made numerous changes to its roster with the promise of more to come.
It’s been one of the league’s worst-kept secrets that the Celtics want to acquire star players to get back into serious title contention. Thus far, they have been unable to land a big fish in the trade market, with a list that includes Blake Griffin, DeMarcus Cousins, Jimmy Butler, Russell Westbrook and Jahlil Okafor. They pulled a draft-day surprise when unable to swing a deal, selecting small forward Jaylen Brown with the third overall pick.
Free agency treated Boston well, as highly coveted big man Al Horford spurned other offers and headed to the Northeast. The Celtics added another rotation piece this weekend by agreeing to terms with swingman Gerald Green. They also regained the services of their own restricted free agent, Tyler Zeller.
Boston also lost some notable free agents in the process, though Evan Turner and Jared Sullinger were not a part of its long-term plan. It also retained forwards Amir Johnson and Jonas Jerebko by guaranteeing their contracts.
The Horford addition arguably makes the Celtics the top threat to the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference, though the Raptors would surely beg to differ. That being said, Boston would likely need at least one more big-time player to put it on par with the defending champions.
It has the assets in the form of extra draft picks, including the gift that keeps on the giving, as the Nets owe them a couple more first-rounders for the ill-advised Kevin Garnett/Paul Pierce trade.
That leads us to our question of the day: Will the Celtics pull off a blockbuster trade prior to the season?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the topic. We look forward to what you have to say.
Blake Griffin for Jaylen Brown, Amir Johnson, Olynyk, first rounder from Memphis acquired in the draft (I think 2019)
Nope. I think if anything happens it’ll take place through a trade at the deadline. But that could change is Russell Westbrook or Blake Griffin immediately become available. I think with the amount of picks and cash the Celtics have, it’ll be hard for them to pass on a player that could vault them past Cleveland and into the finals against GSW. I could see them trading for Russ/Blake and giving up Avery Bradley, the right to switch picks with BKN in 2017, and the 2028 Nets 1st round pick that they own.
Danny is a wild man so you never know, but I doubt that they’ll give up both Nets picks.
Yeah they’ll keep both picks and select extremely mediocre players with them like they always do. Who have the Celtics drafted since Rondo that have actually developed into an All Star?
Maybe. Blake griffin for Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynk, and 2018 Brooklyn 1st Round Pick.
Are you on crack? One of the top 3 power forwards in the league for average role players and a pick?
What do you want for a 1 year rental on someone who could just leave next summer…?? I rather take my chance on a top 3 draft and patiently build a dynasty than burn my assets for a chance to be eliminated in the eastern conference finals…
Avery Bradley is one of the best defensive guards in the league, and Doc Rivers loves him, he’s very valuable, I could see teams valuing Bradley and Smart, along with those Brooklyn picks, but I don’t think Danny Aigne wants a one year rental.
I think they’ll try but fail. Most of the stars are not up for trade yet. They’ll get another star by the trade deadline, but not before the beginning of the season.
No, because they’re loudmouths. Nobody likes dealing with teams that broadcast/leak everything. Also too big of a chance of being made to look stupid, which is a GM’s greatest fear.
Great idea jacobsigel1025! Danny Ainge appears to value picks too highly. Who knows where the 2017 pick will land? Get the best player you can now! He will not. I am not hopefull.
I’d say that Brooklyn has the best odds to finish last this year so I wouldn’t trade the pick just yet
Danny Ainge is no dummy he knows good and damn well not to trade for a Westbrook or a Blake Griffin unless you know you’ll have club control of them beyond 2017. Maybe a Boogie Cousins. Who knows but I think he’ll do something.
Celtics will get greedy and over value the picks and players they have and end up with nothing. I bet they end up releasing James Young and RJ Hunter so a lot of good those first rounders did them. Who cares if you over pay? You can Only have 15 guys anyways.
What good are assets if you are not offering any of them when it comes time to trade. Every team is NOT like the Brooklyn Nets. If you want to make your team better then give up something of value to get something of value. No team is going make a stupid lopsided trade like the Nets did anytime soon.
I see a rebuild that has quickly put them back into contention due to an amazing coach who coaches up all his players. There is truly something special about Jaylen Brown. I think 5 years from now he will look like a total steal in this draft. I don’t think you trade him for anyone that ruins the team chemistry and guts the depth of the team which has been the true strength of this team for the last two years.
If Danny doesn’t find another Brooklyn Nets type deal he should just hold onto those pics in the next two years, and start focusing on developing through the D League and allowing the players overseas to show what they are made of so this team has solid depth outside of just their bench.
We have some exciting players that need floor time in Boston to show what they can really do and how they can provide strength off the bench. The goal is to build a team that competes annually for a title like the Spurs did recently and how the Old School Boston teams used to just reload.
#PatienceGrasshopperPatience