Celtics’ Strategy for NBA Trade Deadline
The Boston Celtics will conduct due diligence in advance of the NBA Trade Deadline, which is less than one month away. Because they don’t have many big-time expendable wages outside of their top six players, the Celtics have little options. Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report gave an explanation of why they might not reach an agreement before the deadline.
On January 19, Haynes stated, “Teams like Boston are always looking for ways to improve their ballclub.” As of now, I haven’t heard anything. Although I believe Boston feels extremely secure with their current roster, they will undoubtedly be a team that watches the buyout market to see who gets released and whether there are any suitable fits.
What kind of deal the Celtics would make, if they made one, was added by Haynes.
If a team like Boston makes a trade before the deadline, it will most likely be one that gives them some minor edge. I don’t think the Celtics are making any bold moves.
When the Celtics acquired Mike Muscala from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2023, it was a similar trade. Muscala typically participated in games when they were virtually done or because of injuries.
The Celtics are “committed” to Luke Kornet.
The Celtics are looking for assistance through trade, but their alternatives are limited, according to Matt Moore of the Action Network.
Boston is usually a very proactive squad; their front office conducts research and makes an effort to be involved in renovations on a regular basis. It’s clear that the Celtics have cap restrictions on who and what they may move. In a piece published on January 20, Moore stated, “They do have their pick until 2028, so they have that to work with.”
Moore continued by saying that although the Celtics will search for extra depth, Luke Kornet is their backup center.
“To try to round out the roster, the Celtics are expected to be interested in wing and center depth, but Luke Kornet is said to be their first priority.”
Kornet has been a part of the Celtics’ rotation this year. Kornet’s position in the rotation might not change even if they add more depth to the frontcourt.
Celtics Can Use Trade Exception Up to Trade Deadline
When the Celtics acquired Grant Williams and transferred him to the Dallas Mavericks, they established a trade exception worth $6.2 million. Teams typically have trade exceptions that last for a year before expiring. But that won’t be the case, Bobby Marks of ESPN says.
Marks disclosed a clause in the CBA that will prohibit the Celtics from utilizing it in the forthcoming summer.
Marks teased the Celtics trade guide, saying, “That trade exception will go away once we get past the deadline.” “Teams that are over the apron no longer have access to that trade exception once the deadline passes and we enter the offseason.”
There is one space available on the Celtics’ roster right now. They have limited options because they may only sign a player who earns up to $100,000 more than the $6.2 million exception. It’s unlikely that the Celtics will make any significant changes because they seem content with their current roster.
