The Boston Celtics have one of the most elite rosters in the NBA, but that doesn’t mean Brad Stevens won’t be looking to improve it.
On a recent episode of “Run It Back” on FanDuel TV, NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that the Celtics are likely to explore trade options prior to the trade deadline on February 8.
“The Celtics gave a couple of first-round picks in the Jrue Holiday trade, but they still have a few left over,” Charania said. “I expect the Celtics to be active in the trade market as we get closer to February to try to see if they can beef up their bench rotation.”
Led by Sam Hauser, Boston’s bench has done its job for the most part this season, shaking off a slow start and providing sparks when needed. However, outside of Hauser, the Celtics have struggled to find consistent scoring from their second unit.
Hauser has accounted for 200 of Boston’s 514 points this season (38.9%).
The Celtics’ bench is averaging just 25.7 points per game, 29th in the league. In fairness, they are also averaging the fewest minutes per game in the league at 14.9.
Adding to the Celtics bench seems inevitable, especially considering the depth the Celtics sacrificed in their efforts to acquire Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis over the offseason.
Fortunately, the Celtics are well-equipped with the resources needed to put the finishing touches on what has the makings of a championship roster.
Boston has an open roster spot, controls its first-round picks through 2028, and owns a total of 12 picks over the next five drafts. Additionally, the Celtics generated a Traded Player Exception worth $6.2 million by trading Grant Williams to the Mavericks, providing flexibility for a lower-salary addition.
Trade talks will really start to heat up come December 15, when players who signed as free agents in the offseason become eligible to be traded. This period is likely to be a busy time for Stevens and the Celtics’ front office as they navigate potential moves to strengthen the team and put them in the best possible position to raise Banner 18.
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