The Celtics, as previously reported, are interested in Spurs center Jakob Poeltl and have actually maintained that interest for several seasons, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic. However, there are some roadblocks that would complicate a Celtics trade for Poeltl.
As Weiss writes, the Spurs’ asking price is one of those obstacles. San Antonio is seeking two first-round picks in exchange for Poeltl (as previously reported), which is the same price the team set for Derrick White a year ago.
The Celtics ultimately acquired White in exchange for a lightly protected first-round pick and a very lightly protected future first-round pick swap, and perhaps the Spurs would accept a similar return for Poeltl, but that would still be a substantial price to pay for a free-agent-to-be who may require a $20MM annual commitment this summer, Weiss observes. Especially when re-signing Grant Williams may also be a priority in Boston.
Additionally, while Poeltl would be an ideal insurance policy in the event of a Robert Williams injury, his role likely wouldn’t be all that significant as long as Williams and Al Horford are both healthy, which is an argument against Boston giving up multiple valuable assets for him.
Ultimately, Weiss thinks the most likely Celtics move at the trade deadline might just involve a second-round pick for a solid bench piece, rather than another major splash involving a first-rounder.
Here’s more on the Celtics:
- Like Weiss, Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston considers whether the Celtics really need to make a trade deadline move and outlines why a deal for someone like Poeltl would be complicated.
- Having missed the Celtics’ last three games due to a right adductor injury, Jaylen Brown went through a full practice on Wednesday and could be on the verge of returning to action (Twitter link via team). Brown’s official status for Thursday’s Finals rematch vs. Golden State is TBD, but he hopes to play. “Feeling good. We’ll see how I feel after this (workout) today,” Brown said (Twitter link via Forsberg). “… I think I’m good. So I’ll be looking forward to tomorrow … If I can go, I’m going.”
- The Warriors are among the teams that have inquired about the availability of Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, league sources tell Brian Robb of MassLive.com. However, Pritchard’s ability to capably fill a rotation spot in the event of an injury like Brown’s makes Boston somewhat reluctant to move him, Robb notes.
- The Celtics have announced the death of former player and coach Chris Ford, who played for the team from 1978-82 and coached in Boston from 1983-95, first as an assistant, then as the head coach. Ford won titles with the team as a player (1981) and as an assistant coach (1984 and 1986), and is also known for making the first three-point shot in NBA history.
Jakob Poeltl is only worth a first round pick.
Stats from the bad team needs to be discounted.
Pritchard to warriors would only happen if Boston went to pick up Poeltl where Pritchard to GSW for Moody and a 1st round pick this year which can be flip to Spurs with Boston 1st rounder for Poeltl.
Celtics first round pick to Warriors
Spurs get Moody, Kornet, Warriors 2023 First
Celtics get Poeltl
Warriors get Pritchard and Celtics future First
Watched Poeltl play last night. Don’t want him. I’d like Josh Richardson back though.
Stop w Payton Pritchard to Golden State! Celts need to beat them, not help them. Tomorrow night’s game is big for our Playoff confidence.
Go Celtics!
Sillivan is too silly with that one…
GSW may be interested in Poetl too …
Kind of surprised the Warriors have interest. Pritchard has a similar skillset to Donte DiVincenzo. Not sure he would break the Playoff rotation unless one of Steph, Klay, Poole, or Donte were to get Injured.
What they need to do is replace JaMychal Green with a better Stretch-Big, either with more playing time for rookie Patrick Baldwin, or a minor trade or Buyout-candidate next month.
The most important thing is to sit Looney on the bench. Find a quality starter.
Top 30 Center/PF are all making $18 million or more. Most of them are not available.
So Warriors are in deep trouble.
Bey and Steward can’t shoot from the three
Like Drew Eubanks
Honestly, the only thing I remembered about Chris Ford is that he alienated Allen Iverson when he was hired as a coach in Philly, pretty much immediately. The trivia is neat, though. RIP.
Yeah, he actually benched Iverson as I recall.
As a Celtics fan I remember him for far more. Very solid player.
RIP Chris Ford!
Chris Ford was, in my humble opinion, a much better head coach than he was given credit for. Great guy, too. RIP, Chris.
He was a nice player also.
That 81 team of Bird, Parish, Cedric Maxwell, Tiny Archibald, and Ford in the starting lineup, with McHale, M.L Carr, Rick Robey, and Gerald Henderson off the bench was a juggernaut.
Yes and then the next year or year after they traded Rick Robey for Dennis johnson. Then the Celtics were really good and won in 84 and 86. Good stuff
I don’t see any reason why the Celtics would trade for Poeltl unless Horford or Williams went down. When they traded for White it was because he was under contract for multiple years.
They could use a back up wing and that’s pretty much it.
Williams going down isn’t a matter of if, but when
Thanks, Dr.
Keep an eye on Boston with Mason Plumlee, who will come significantly cheaper than Poeltl, and is on an expiring deal.
The Plumlee family originally hails from the state of Indiana. Brad Stevens knows them very well.
Also, Brad was at a high school event, featuring top prep school talent. I know Brad Stevens, and what type of kids he likes. Matas Buzelis of Sunrise Christian, who will be playing for the G-League Ignite next year, will be a Celtic is he is on the board when they draft in 2024.
I’d keep Pritchard and trade for Rui Hachimura. Hachimura would be a perfect backup for Tatum or Horford. He’s young, athletic, has size, speed, and is a consistent scorer (13 pts per game career average). Low risk high reward.
Stevens wanting Poeltl is typical
Warriors need a big man! Not another pg… moody and a pick for Pritchard? Must be smoking something!!!! Poeltl is what I would pick up… trade a moody and a pick for him throw Rollins in as well
Boston. Just say no to Poeltl! Focus on getting Rui Hachimura, Obi Toppin, or P.J. Washington. They are more compatible with this roster.