NBA trade season is underway, and the February 6th trade deadline is quickly approaching. The reigning champion Boston Celtics are unlikely to make a major trade. Despite Boston’s recent struggles this roster is just about perfect and very capable of winning back-to-back championships. Regardless, there are still a few Celtics trade rumors, and a minor move is somewhat expected. The goal of a trade would likely be to give the team some cap relief given that Boston is a second-apron team. Let’s dive into and rank the three Celtics with the best chance of being traded before the deadline.
3 Celtics Players Who Could be Traded Before the Deadline
3. Jordan Walsh
Second-year forward Jordan Walsh is the most unlikely player on this list to be dealt. Nevertheless, he has a better chance than most of the players on Boston’s roster. If the Celtics look to upgrade their wing depth Walsh could be moved. Walsh is averaging 8.8 minutes and has appeared in 26 games this season. The 6-foot-7 wing provides solid defense and rebounding. However, Walsh has struggled to find his rhythm offensively, he is averaging just 1.7 points on 25 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
Walsh’s lack of shooting makes him a somewhat challenging fit in the Celtics’ offense. Regardless, opposing teams could be intrigued by a 20-year-old defensive-minded wing. The Celtics could look to package Walsh for a wing with more floor-spacing abilities. A possible Walsh trade could also open up more opportunities for Drew Peterson and Baylor Scheierman. Both Scheierman and Peterson’s shooting abilities make them natural fits in Boston’s system. Ultimately, a Walsh trade isn’t something to expect at the deadline but it’s not something to rule out either.
2. Xavier Tillman
During the offseason, Xavier Tillman was seen as an intriguing part of the Celtics’ rotation. However, the 6-foot-8 center hasn’t played much this season, averaging just 7.8 minutes per game. Furthermore, Tillman is averaging just 1.1 points and 1.5 rebounds on 27.8 percent shooting from the field. Since Kristaps Porzingis returned from injury, Tillman has had nine DNPs and has only received more than 10 minutes once. Tillman was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies to bolster Boston’s center depth at last year’s trade deadline. In free agency, the Celtics re-signed Tillman on a two-year contract worth $4.7 million.
Nevertheless, Tillman has been the odd man out in the Celtics’ rotation this season, with Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta clearly above him. Considering this, and Tillman’s role being even more limited with Porzingis being healthy, the Celtics may trade Tillman at the deadline. Moreover, the Celtics’ financial situation gives them extra motivation to make a trade that gives them any sort of cap relief. Overall, there is a strong case that Tillman is the most likely Celtic to be traded at the deadline, particularly in a salary dump move.
1. Jaden Springer
Jaden Springer is in a similar position as Tillman. The 6-foot-4 guard was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers at last year’s deadline, however, he hasn’t cracked the Celtics’ rotation. Springer has appeared in just 14 games this season, averaging 4.5 minutes and 1.4 points. With Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard there simply aren’t enough guard minutes available for Springer.
Notably, ESPN listed Springer as the Celtics’ top trade candidate. Springer is on a one-year $4 million contract; the Celtics would seek cap relief by trading him. Trading Springer would also open up some opportunities for the Celtics’ two-way players, especially JD Davison. Many teams could be interested in the 22-year-old guard, especially considering what he’s shown as a point-of-attack defender. ESPN listed the Washington Wizards as a suitor for Springer noting the Wizards have a $12 million trade expectation. Sending Springer and a second-round pick to the Wizards could save Boston $16 million in luxury tax payments. Whether it’s to the Wizards or another team, all signs point to the Celtics trading Springer in a salary-shedding move.
