The Boston Celtics' NBA trade season is heating up, and there's more to come. After acquiring Nikola Vucevic in a trade, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens still has room to maneuver before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. Celtics Insider Chris Forsberg highlights the strategic benefits of this move, shedding light on the team's newfound flexibility and the potential for further additions.
The trade for Vucevic, which included sending Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls, trimmed about $6 million in salary. This shift has significant implications, as it allows the Celtics to navigate the NBA's luxury tax more effectively. Forsberg explains that the team is now 'off the first apron,' a key advantage in the trade market. This means that if a player is waived and earns more than the mid-level exception ($14.5 million), the Celtics can make a play for them, potentially targeting a past All-Star who may have been waived for various reasons.
This opens up the possibility of exploring the buyout market, where players released through trades can sign with other teams post-deadline. While many buyouts involve aging veterans without significant impact, the Celtics have a history of success in this area. In 2008, they signed P.J. Brown and Sam Cassell, who became crucial depth players on a championship team. Forsberg suggests that Boston might also consider trading for Chris Boucher, a big man who is unlikely to be retained long-term.
The question arises: what type of player should the Celtics target? Forsberg advocates for a steady veteran guard to bolster the backcourt, specifically mentioning a Kris Dunn-like player who can defend, handle the ball, and provide depth. While Dunn might stay with the Los Angeles Clippers after their trade, Mike Conley is a notable name to watch. Expected to be bought out or traded by the Bulls, Conley, at 38, offers playoff experience and valuable depth.
The Celtics' strategic moves and potential additions showcase their commitment to building a competitive team. With the trade deadline looming, the team's flexibility and strategic thinking position them well for future success.
