NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Moves to Cure the Boston Celtics' Woes

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It's not easy being green.

The Big Three are aging, Rajon Rondo is alone on the fast break, and despite being talented enough to win it all, the Boston Celtics don't seem poised to do so. You can talk about schemes and plays that Doc Rivers could draw up to better fit his players, but let's be honest: the starting five isn't the issue. At least not Rondo and the Big Three.

As the Celtics approach the All-Star Break, they're a team that could really benefit from adding a fresh body. Some veterans are available that would have invaluable one-year benefits, while other young players are available to provide valuable long-term potential. All in all, a move needs to be made.

Luckily for the Celtics, there are five players who could provide all they need and more.

5. Ben Wallace, C, Detroit Pistons

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This would be a short-term, win-right-now type of move. Ben Wallace has lost a step, as well as a level of athletic ability, but there's no denying the value of his presence. He remains a physical defender with shot-blocking skills, making him a perfect fit to temporarily fill Kendrick Perkins' void.

In Detroit, Wallace is an undeniable fan favorite. He was instrumental in the Pistons' NBA Championship victory in 2004, and though he left for the Chicago Bulls in 2006, management decided to bring him back in '09.

The 37-year-old is getting close to retirement, and with all he's done for the Pistons' organization, the least they could do in return is give him a chance to win one last title. Besides, 21-year-old center Greg Monroe is playing like an All-Star, and the Pistons' are 13 games under .500. Ben Wallace is expendable.

In Boston, Wallace would likely be nothing more than a one-year player. His contributions in that year, however, would be invaluable on the defensive end of the floor. Despite playing just 14.2 minutes per game, Wallace averages a hair under a block and a steal per night.

With Wallace alongside Kevin Garnett, the Celtics would have a defensive combination that could prevent the Bulls, Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks from attacking the basket.

This could be one of the Celtics' best shots at winning big in 2012.

4. Anthony Randolph, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves

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I'm a huge supporter of JaJuan Johnson, and in my article titled "Biggest Steals of the 2011 NBA Draft," I acknowledged how big of a steal he was. His ability, body and position are a perfect fit for the Celtics' needs, but there's something else that can't be denied: Anthony Randolph has one of the highest upsides in the NBA.

For some reason, Randolph has never gotten the playing time he deserves. With the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves, Randolph has seen sporadic opportunities, as he's sometimes gone from a 20-point, 10-rebound performance one night to no playing time whatsoever the next.

That's exactly why the Celtics need to acquire him.

Randolph is a well-rounded player, but most specifically, he's an athletic scorer. He's underrated in transition, but it's his ability to score in the post that would benefit the Celtics. Kevin Garnett would be the perfect mentor for the young veteran, who has already spent three years in the NBA.

As for how the Celtics could acquire Randolph, it could cost them JaJuan Johnson. If that's the case, it's an unfortunate situation that they must consider. If they can get it done without sacrificing their Purdue combination of Johnson and E'Twaun Moore, they should.

Players such as Brandon Bass, Avery Bradley and Greg Stiemsma would all be valuable acquisitions for the Timberwolves. A first-round draft pick wouldn't be terrible to give up, either, considering Randolph is only 22.

3. Anderson Varejao, C, Cleveland Cavaliers

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There's no denying how hard it'd be to acquire the young veteran, but with a few young players at positions of need, the Celtics could have enough to get the deal done.

Anderson Varejao of the Cleveland Cavaliers doesn't take too many shots, yet still scores in the double-digits because of his size and offensive rebounding ability. His 11.5 rebounds rank forth in the NBA, and his shot-blocking, while less than stellar, is good enough to suffice beside Kevin Garnett. Add on his career-best 67 percent from the free-throw line, a sign that he could be a 70 percent shooter with Doc Rivers' guidance, and it's a match made in heaven.

As previously acknowledged, getting the deal done would be a little tough. The Celtics would likely have to give up a first-round draft choice, as well as young pieces like guard Avery Bradley or center Greg Stiemsma. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old Brazilian is worth it, and the Celtics should place this deal at the top of their list.

2. Terrence Williams, SF, Houston Rockets

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As you can see in the photo used, it's been pretty easy to look past Terrence Williams since he arrived in Houston. He's appeared in just nine of the Houston Rockets' 28 games, and it doesn't appear we'll see much more of him before season's end. This may sound crazy, but that's exactly why the Celtics need to act fast and make a move for the embattled athlete.

Williams' skill set is there. He's a freak athlete with decent range and highlight-reel ability, making him a perfect complement to Rajon Rondo in transition. His big body and underrated perimeter defense could make him the long-term replacement for Paul Pierce.

In order to pry Williams free from the Rockets, the Celtics probably wouldn't have to offer much. A role player for the Rockets' playoff push would likely suffice, and players such as Sasha Pavlovic and Mickael Pietrus could be placed in some type of package to get the deal done.

Williams is a risk to bring in, but at just 24, his upside is undeniable. With leaders like Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, it'll be hard for him to slack off.

1. Shannon Brown, SG, Phoenix Suns

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You can argue that the Celtics need a center, noting the low production and injury-prone nature of Jermaine O'Neal. The fact is, there is one inadequacy with a higher level of importance. Despite the fact that Rajon Rondo has emerged as an elite point guard, utilizing his top-end speed and quickness to create shots in transition, he's often alone on the fast break.

The majority of the Celtics' players are above 30, and at this stage in their careers, they just don't have the stamina to run up and down the court with a player as quick as Rondo.

In acquiring Shannon Brown, the Celtics would go a long way towards addressing that need.

Shannon Brown has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous open-court players in the NBA. He's one of the premier dunk-men in the league, and with Rajon Rondo running alongside him, the highlights would surely to continue.

Rondo possesses elite passing ability, but it's his ability to score in transition that would make this tandem so dangerous. Just a few seasons ago, a defender would have been able to predict where the ball was going. Now that Rondo has developed into an elite fast-break scorer, it's not such an easy choice as to who to defend.

As for acquiring Brown, the Celtics have the prospects to achieve such a feat. Guard Avery Bradley is an elite defensive prospect, but he's also backing up Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen. Sixth man Brandon Bass has been great, but rookie JaJuan Johnson has emerged at the same position. The addition of those two would give the Phoenix Suns a one-two punch in the frontcourt with former Magic teammates Bass and Marcin Gortat, as well as a Steve Nash protege in Bradley.

With all things considered, this is a move that would be mutually beneficial. The Suns would improve in the long term, while the Celtics would become a more likely contender. As for Brown, he could step into the role of Ray Allen's protege.