While the trade deadline always leads to some chaos around the league, the Celtics are unlikely to make any major, transformative moves. Basketball’s best team this season has its core set up, though the deadline is just a way for Boston President Brad Stevens and the front office to upgrade other parts of their roster.
That means improving in areas like backup wings or big man spots for the rest of the regular season. That way, the C’s have some injury insurance for guys like Robert Williams III or Al Horford. A backup wing could take minutes away from forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown during the regular season.
The one person the Celtics have inquired about is the Pistons’ Nerlens Noel. According to The Athletic’s James Edwards III, Other teams have also inquired about Noel, Edwards reports, including the Heat, Nuggets, Mavericks and more.
Noel, the former sixth overall pick in 2013, has bounced around the league since being drafted by the 76ers. The Big Man has averaged 2.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in suiting up in 13 games this season. He is also a native of Boston. Noel, however, makes a salary of $9.2 million, so he’s not the cheapest trade piece if the Celtics acquire him.
While Noel hasn’t lived up to the hype after being an early lottery pick out of Kentucky, he is still a solid shot blocker and defender. The Celtics don’t need to do much offensive lifting, but rather have a solid depth piece on their roster. If the price tag is too high from Detroit, though, it’s unlikely that Boston will break the bank for Noel.
The Celtics are also linked to other bigwigs in the league, including Jakub Poelt of the Spurs and Kelly Olynyk of the Jazz. The deadline is only a few days away and is set for Thursday, so there will be some market movement soon.
