3 Trade Targets for Celtics to Consider Before Rumor Mill Picks Up

The Boston Celtics might have the NBA's best roster.

There are still ways to make it better.

Despite acquiring both Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday this offseason, they still have enough trade chips to make more additions. Salary-matching could get tricky with higher-end targets, but adding a depth piece or two seems doable.

The following three players might all fit the budget and find ways to contribute to this club.

Precious Achiuwa, Toronto Raptors

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TORONTO, CANADA - NOVEMBER 19: Precious Achiuwa #5 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2023 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)

If the Celtics are active this trade season, they'll almost certainly be in the market for frontcourt depth.

They essentially have three traditional bigs on the roster. One is Porziņģis, who's had a litany of injury issues over his career and already lost one game to injury this season. One is Al Horford, who turned 37 this summer and is posting the worst field-goal percentage of his career (43.9). The last is Luke Kornet, a 28-year-old who's yet to log 900-plus minutes in an NBA season.

If Boston (understandably) wants more protection up front, Precious Achiuwa could help provide it. He isn't massive by NBA standards (6'8", 225 lbs.), but he can beef up the interior with length, athleticism and all kinds of activity. Offensively, he'd be an asset in the open court and a sneaky-good option in the half court, as he's flashed some handles and a pinch of playmaking.

While he isn't an obvious trade candidate even if the Raptors rebuild, he is playing on an expiring contract. So, if Toronto doesn't plan on re-signing him next offseason, then trading him for a future-focused asset feels like the move to make.

Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls

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CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 03: Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond (3) looks on during the second half of a NBA In-Season Tournament between the Brooklyn Nets and the Chicago Bulls on November 3, 2023 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

With trade winds swirling around Zach LaVine, it's possible the Bulls have finally accepted what so many have thought for years: A rebuild is inevitable.

If Chicago starts tearing things apart, Andre Drummond is almost certain to be moved. The 30-year-old isn't signed past this season, so the chance to turn him into any kind of asset is a now-or-never situation.

If the Celtics don't want to pay much for interior depth, he could be their guy. His perimeter limitations at both ends hurt his value in the modern game, but he's still an active rebounder who can finish around the basket and protect the paint.

He could be the kind of player Boston acquires to keep behind emergency glass. If this team faces a low-post bruiser in the playoffs—several could wind up on this club's road to a title—it might get more mileage out of Drummond than Kornet in that matchup. That insurance alone would justify Drummond's trade cost, which would be minimal.

Delon Wright, Washington Wizards

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WASHINGTON, DC -  NOVEMBER 10: Delon Wright #55 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets during the In-Season Tournament on November 10, 2023 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

It's possible the Celtics don't love their depth options when it comes to distributing and defense.

Delon Wright could help beef up both spots.

He is most helpful on defense, where he offers good length at the lead guard spot (6'5") and the instincts to make the most of his physical gifts. His offensive ceiling is capped by a shaky outside shot (career 35.3 percent on low volume), but he can make things happen in the open court and create for others at any time.

He's currently sidelined by an MCL sprain, but assuming he can put this issue behind him, he's someone the Celtics could view as a plug-and-play option. He also shouldn't cost a ton in a trade, as he's a 31-year-old non-star on an expiring contract.