The 5 players the Boston Celtics could go after before the NBA Trade Deadline

With the NBA Trade Deadline approaching on February 6th, trade rumors are heating up. The Boston Celtics are not expected to make a big move; however, increasing depth in the roster seems to be a possibility. Potential targets range from affordable veterans who could bolster their bench to intriguing young players but less likely.

The Celtics will focus on players with minimum or rookie contracts. The key trade pieces for the Celtics include Jaden Springer, Xavier Tillman, Jordan Walsh, and future draft picks. Boston is likely to look at wing depth at the trade deadline.

Javonte Green

Javonte Green has long been considered one of the top targets for the Celtics. He would give the Celtics a good spark off the bench, providing bench depth, defense, and athleticism to the team. With the Celtics seeking another wing who can play minutes, Green is a logical target. This season, Green is averaging 6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists with shooting percentages of 46.4% from the field, 38.5% from three, and 76.5% from the free-throw line. As a floor spacer and defensive player, Green's versatile skill set makes him an ideal fit for the Celtics. Green is particularly impactful as a defender.

Furthermore, his one-year $2 million contract makes him a realistic target for the Celtics, either in exchange for picks or one of Boston's slightly larger contracts, like Springer or Tillman. As the New Orleans Pelicans struggle, Green could be traded. Given the recent rumors and reports, Green seems like the player the Celtics are most likely to negotiate for.

Torrey Craig

Veteran wing Torrey Craig would give the Celtics added depth and floor spacing. The 34-year-old has only appeared in nine games this season and is currently out with a leg injury. Craig doesn't fit in the Bulls' schedule and could be traded for a cheap price. His one-year $2.8 million contract makes him an affordable target for the Celtics. Craig is a career 35.5% three-point shooter (37.3% in the last four seasons); in the Celtics' system, he could thrive as a catch-and-shoot threat. After this season, the Celtics could let go of Craig, allowing more minutes for Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman. However, during the rest of the season, Craig could provide the Celtics with some wing minutes.

Daniel Theis

Another name linked to the Celtics in a possible reunion is Daniel Theis. The center had two stints with Boston, the first between 2017 and 2021, before briefly returning in 2022. If the Celtics want to add another '5', Theis is a realistic player to add, especially considering his one-year $2 million contract. Theis is averaging 4.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists with shooting percentages of 49.2% from the field, 25.7% from three, and 82.9% from the free-throw line. The 32-year-old is only averaging 16.5 minutes on a Pelicans team with a record of 12-32; he probably wouldn't crack the Celtics' rotation. However, as a depth piece, Theis is a solid option.

Vince Williams Jr.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Vince Williams Jr. could be an undervalued trade target at the deadline. Williams is a versatile 24-year-old wing who could provide quality minutes for the Celtics. This season, Williams has been dealing with injuries, only appearing in three games so far and last played in November. In these three games, Williams has only averaged 5.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. The Grizzlies are one of the deepest teams in the league, particularly at the wing position, making a Williams trade possible. He is under contract for the next two seasons for less than 3 million dollars annually and a team option in the third year, which should further entice the Celtics.

In a season plagued with injuries for the Grizzlies last year, Williams showed a lot of promise, averaging 10 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists with shooting percentages of 44.6% from the field, 37.8% from three, and 80% from the free-throw line. Williams is a versatile player who can create his shot, space the floor, rebound, defend, and facilitate. He would be the perfect wing to bolster the Celtics bench. Considering the potential Williams showed last season, the Grizzlies might hesitate to trade him. However, with the Grizzlies being so deep, they will surely at least consider offers for Williams. If the Grizzlies don't want to trade Williams, Boston should inquire about his teammate Jake LaRavia. Ultimately, Williams is an ideal target for the Celtics.

Walker Kessler

Third-year player Walker Kessler is a coveted trade target across the league. Recently, Kessler has been floating as a trade target for the Celtics. Kessler is an elite shot blocker and interior presence; he would provide the Celtics with added depth at center. Adding a young center is not a bad idea, considering Al Horford's age and Kristaps Porzingis' injury history. This season, Kessler is averaging 11.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. Impressively, Kessler's 2.5 blocks rank second in the league.

Although Kessler would fit perfectly with the Celtics, he seems like an unrealistic target. In the middle of a rebuild, the Utah Jazz don't have many assets, so trading one of their best young players would be surprising. Additionally, Danny Ainge is known to demand a high price for his players, so Kessler is likely out of the Celtics' price range. The Celtics might need another big man, but Porzingis and Horford eat up a ton of minutes, so the need for Kessler is minimal. Overall, Kessler is a dream target for the Celtics; while an intriguing fit, it would be shocking if they land him.

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