Top 5: Celtics Trade Rumors
The NBA Trade season is never short of sensationalized rumors across the league. However, I did not expect to see the Celtics so caught up in the rumors. This Celtics team brought back the entire championship roster man for man. They finally constructed the roster to break through and collect banner 18. The contracts all line up for one more, Maybe two more years with this core. We knew it would be short lived with the roster outside of Brown and Tatum, but to be entertaining trades that would move a major piece off the roster is surprising. It is probably a lot to do about nothing, but where there is smoke there’s fire. We also have to take into consideration the pending sale of the team in a weird silence for months.
Here are the Top 5 trade rumors so far:
1.
Celtics receive: Jonas Valančiūnas, Cody Martin, Seth Curry, and a 2026 first-round draft pick from the Hornets
Hornets receive: Kristaps Porzingis
Wizards receive: Grant Williams, a 2025 second-round draft pick from the Celtics, a 2025 second-round draft pick from the Hornets, and a 2027 second-round draft pick from the Hornets
Moving Porzingus makes the most since. He has 2 years left with $30+ million owed. The Celtics are up against 2nd apron restraints and Porzingus continues to prove he is a walking injury. They Celtics are basically un beatable with Porzingus and full healthy, but that’s a big IF. They coasted through the playoffs last year losing only 3 games with Porzingus injured for a majority of the time. In prior season I would be deathly afraid of messing with this team’s chemistry. I think it still plays a role here, but Brown and Tatum look to have taken a massive step forward in maturity since raising banner 18. They understand it’s a business and they now know what it takes to win it all.
2.
Rockets receive: Kristaps Porzingus
Celtics Receive: A package of Steven Adams, Smith Jr. (or Reed Sheppard, depending on who Stevens prefers), and Cam Whitmore, and Rockets 1st round pick
Love this deal. Always been an Adams fan. Mazzula would have to adjust Mazzula ball a bit. Maybe, only shoot 50 3’s instead of 60. But as far as dependability up front and athletic depth at wing you’d be hard pressed to find a better deal. We’ll see if Stevens can sneak a 1st round pick out Ime and co. I would suspect that to be heavily protected.
3.
Clippers receive: Jrue Holiday and John Collins
Jazz receive: P.J. Tucker, Derrick Jones Jr., Terance Mann, a 2025 first-round draft pick from the Celtics, a 2026 first-round draft pick swap from the Celtics, a 2030 first-round draft pick from the Clippers, a 2026 second-round draft pick swap from the Celtics, a 2026 second-round draft pick from the Clippers, and a 2031 second-round draft pick from the Clippers
Celtics receive: Walker Kessler and Norman Powell
Hate this deal. It’s basically a salary dump moving Holiday’s multi year $30+ million salary off the books. Kessler is front court depth. Powell has turned into an excellent on ball scorer. The Celtics have a couple of those already including Payton Pritchard. That’s where you can talk me into moving on from Jrue. Pritchard is playing himself into a starting NBA role. There is always the possibility Brad Stevens rolls with this roster for as long as possible, but if he is indeed looking to maximize assests while also winning championships, he’ll need to make a decision on his gaurds. Of Pritchard, White, and Holiday I’m moving on from Holiday. Basically just because of his age. His leadership and championship play in the playoffs is unmatched. It would be hard to replace that. It’s not an easy decision, but practically Pritchard and White backcourt have a longer less expensive window in Boston.
4.
OUT: Jared Springer
IN: Daniel Theis, Javonte Green OR Guerschon Yabusele
The one player on Boston’s roster to watch in trade chatter might be Springer. The 22-year-old guard, acquired at 2024 trade deadline for a second-round pick, owns the eighth-highest salary on Boston’s books. Given the Celtics' second-apron status, every $1 over the tax counts for roughly $4 in tax money, meaning a player like Springer essentially is costing $16 million.
Consider this tinkering around the edges for depth and financial flexibility. I would expected at least one of these moves to be made. However, the pending sale of the team throws all of these decisions and possibilities up in the air.
5.
OUT: 2nd round picks and roster fodder to make the money work
The Celtics have a gaggle of 2nd picks. They need to make money match in any deal which could be done easy enough with players on this list. Some of the names include, Kevin Love, Shake Milton, David Robby, Josh Richardson. There is no one on this list that gets my pants moving. They would have little to no impact in the playoffs, but we’re a ways off until then. They they can add depth to spell there 7-8 man rotation this would help.