NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics Make out Like Bandits in Glen Davis-Brandon Bass Trade

One of the major issues last year’s playoffs exposed for the Boston Celtics was a lack of depth in the frontcourt. Now, a sign-and-trade deal may give the team some of the financial flexibility it needs to remedy that problem.

As reported by CBS Sports, the Celtics have sent physical reserve Glen Davis to the Orlando Magic for another former LSU Tiger, Brandon Bass. Although Bass himself is no more of an option at center than Davis was, he’s expected to be an appreciably cheaper PF than Davis will be when he gets his new deal.

The two put up nearly identical numbers in 2010-11, with Bass getting almost 40 more starts but fewer minutes. Bass will likely be a slight improvement over Davis in terms of shooting range, but otherwise, the Celtics are largely getting more of the same.

However, the fact that they’ll be paying less for it is not a negligible concern. This move alone won’t give Boston the kind of cap space they’ll need to add a legitimate starting center, but even an upgraded backup would be welcome at this stage.

Additional cap room will also be valuable for the backcourt, where the Celtics must either re-sign or replace Carlos Arroyo, Delonte West and Von Wafer. It’s become increasingly obvious that, as good as the Cetlics’ Big Three is, the trio’s advancing age requires a stronger bench than a younger squad like the Heat can settle for.

Obviously, adding the 6’8” Bass doesn’t solve the problem of finding a true center to replace the foolishly-traded Kendrick Perkins. However, it does leave the Celtics one step closer to addressing that most pressing of concerns.