Brad Stevens teases what the Celtics are searching for at the trade deadline…
BOSTON (AP) — With a talented team and championship aspirations, the Celtics’ frontmanagement faces some issues regarding what they can do inside their title window. However, as Boston president Brad Stevens warned, the Red Sox made their big, splashy moves during the offseason.
When the Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, they transformed the core of their roster. The adjustments have paid off, as the C’s are a league-leading 26-7 and have one of the NBA’s top net ratings.
Nonetheless, the Celtics could make a depth move before the Feb. 8 trade deadline, which is now only a few weeks away. While Stevens stated that they are unlikely to make a team-altering deal, he did hint at what the C’s may be searching for in the trade market.
“What you look at is guys that can play, guys that can add value,” Stevens went on to say. “But, as I said last year, you don’t have to play.” So, if we do add someone, I’m not sure if it will be a game changer.
“I’d like to keep looking for another big wing or so that can help us, and I believe that could come from within.” I also believe that we will continue to keep an eye on free agency and trades. But, once again, the difference between this year and others is that our financial resources are restricted.”
The Celtics, like last season, are in a fantastic position where they have a solid rotation that doesn’t require much adjusting midway through the season. That’s a terrific position to be in since the Celtics don’t lack skill — all of their greatest players have preached sacrifice this season.
On the other hand, as Stevens mentioned, the C’s are likely to have a quiet trade deadline. They could still search for wing depth, despite the fact that their first two players off the bench, Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard, have had good seasons. Luke Kornet and two-way signee Neemias Queta have also given solid regular-season productivity thus far, so there’s no assurance the C’s will add another depth piece there.
Last season, the Celtics acquired Mike Muscala at the trade deadline in exchange for some shooting and depth. While Muscala was a good addition, he didn’t make a big difference because the Celtics were also one of the top teams in the league last season. As the front staff has already made significant moves for the roster, the C’s are expected to follow a similar formula at this deadline.
“You try to be smart if you add,” Stevens observed. “How does it fit, and how does it not detract?” And therefore, once again, the mechanism to do so is the ($6.2 million Grant Williams trade exception), which is not large. The day before the season began, we made a significant trade deadline acquisition in Jrue. So we just have to keep an eye out for ways to strengthen it and improve it.”
Brad Stevens discloses the Celtics’ prototype target
The Boston Celtics have the league’s best record. They lead the Eastern Conference and have one of the most talented rosters in the NBA. Nonetheless, the Celtics have an open roster space to fill. With the trade deadline of February 8 approaching, Boston is anticipated to make a move.
During a recent news conference following a team practice, Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens outlined the type of player he is trying to bring in for the second half of the season.
Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens described the type of player he is looking to bring in for the second half of the season during a recent news conference following a team practice.
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