Boston Celtics' Possible Trading Deadline Deals and Free Agent Pickups

Danny Ainge and the rest of Celtics management understand that team chemistry is a fickle thing and subtraction by addition may not necessarily help.
The Boston Celtics are not better than they think they are.

They have proven that time and time again. A 1-7 record against the top teams in the Eastern Conference has left them bloodied and bowed. Doc Rivers seems to have taken a page from Phil Jackson's book to let his players figure it out in times of duress. The current incarnation of Celtics players has been failing in response to this show of faith.

Celtics Nation is clamoring for changes, especially in Ray Allen. The one year of success has left Celtics fans spoiled and wanting more.

Messing with the starting five is out of the question in spite of Allen's recent struggles. What the Celtics need is an athletic wing or power forward who can score coming off the bench.

The Celtics won't admit it, but signing Rasheed Wallace to a three year contract was a mistake. Wallace has yet to prove his worth and the bench still needs help. Here are a few players that may fill that open slot the Celtics have. There are also some trade possibilities for Ray Allen in this slideshow.

Jared Jeffries

When Jeffries came out of Indiana University as a sophomore, everyone drooled about this do-everything swingman. His best body of work was as a member of the Washington Wizards.

Now he is playing out of position as a starting power forward for the hapless New York Knicks. At this point in his career, he is better suited as a backup. The Celtics could then field a bench front-court of Wallace, Glen Davis, and Jeffries. He could fill in for the vertically challenged Davis.

He is a pretty good rebounder and could actually help in the fast-break because he can handle the ball.

Bobby Simmons

Bobby Simmons is not a name heard everyday in the NBA. He was traded to the swamplands of the New Jersey Nets from Milwaukee and has suffered from various nagging injuries in the past two seasons. He finished third in three-point shooting percentage as recently as 2008.

The Celtics could use his 6'8'' frame for defending the Joe Johnson's of the world. He has career averages of 10 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Udonis Haslem

The Miami Heat may not let him go now, but he will be a free agent at the end of the season. Because of their desire to keep Dwyane Wade in the fold, the Heat will allow Haslem to leave at the end of the season. However, if they want to get some value for him, they should talk to the Celtics.

I am not sure if this will work, but how about trading Glen Davis for Udonis? I think it would work out if the Celtics throw in, say, J.R. Giddens or a second round draft pick.

Haslem would be an upgrade over Davis. He is a better rebounder and a more reliable jump shooter. He is averaging 9.9 points per game this season.

Travis Outlaw

The Portland Trailblazers have a bevy of first round picks on their team. Nate McMillan and Portland management will have to decide who to keep and who to let go.

Portland has a glut of wing players in Martell Webster, Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw, and Nicolas Batum. Outlaw is recovering from a broken foot and is rehabbing right now. The Celtics should take a chance on this athletic swingman. He can hit three-pointers, run the court, rebound, and play defense.

He also has had good coaching under McMillan and won't balk at being coached or coming off the bench. Travis has a career average of 9.9 points per game.

Adam Morrison

Once considered a lock for NBA stardom, Adam Morrison has the fortune of being on an NBA-champion roster. The only problem: He is constantly pulling splinters from his rear end.

The emergence of Shannon Brown may have his days in the purple and gold numbered. He may not be a great individual defender (most great shooters are not), but the Celtics could sure use his shooting touch. That may effectively get Wallace to spend more time in the post.

J.R.Giddens for Morrison could be a minor trade that might benefit the Celtics in the long-run.

Kevin Martin

Rumors abound that the Celtics will trade Ray Allen for Kevin Martin. The salaries match up, but can Martin's slight frame endure the rigors of the Eastern Conference?

The Eastern Conference is known for its physical play, especially among the conference elite. Martin would have to defend the likes of Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford, and sometimes LeBron James. In spite of his quickness, he is not a good defender.

The Celtics would be getting a younger player, but would it help them get a championship this year? Martin's averages: 21 PPG and 4 RPG.

Josh Howard

Josh Howard's name has been mentioned in trade rumors as well. He has had continuous health issues, as well as admitting to marijuana use in the offseason. Come to think of it, the marijuana use shouldn't affect him. Robert Parrish once got caught transporting marijuana across the border.

Josh for Ray is not the only trade that makes sense. But bringing him in would be duplicating the Marquis Daniels addition. Howard averages 12 PPG.

Tracy McGrady

Tracy McGrady is the 800-pound gorilla in the NBA wastelands. His team doesn't want him and no one has come knocking on Houston Rockets management's door. He is presently working out with Michael Jordan's trainer in Chicago.

The Celtics don't necessarily trade for him, but maybe they can quietly whisper 'championship' in his ear. That way he can sign for the veteran's minimum at the trading deadline. He has a career average of 21 PPG.