Celtics Trade Targets with 2024 NBA Trade Deadline a Month Away

The Boston Celtics may have everything they need to win the NBA title this season.

Of course, they won't know that for sure until their playoff journey ends in championship bliss or another offseason of wondering where it all went wrong.

Boston's front office should leave nothing to chance, then. If there's a way to upgrade this roster between now and the Feb. 8 trade deadline, that's probably a move worth making.

The following three players all offer that possibility.

Alec Burks, Detroit Pistons

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Alec Burks #14 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to a three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on January 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The Pistons haven't even played half their season yet, and they've already endured a historic losing streak. If they aren't converting at least some of their veterans into draft assets this trade season, it might be time for a new front office.

If they do any subtracting, Alec Burks should be one of the first to go. He's a 32-year-old on an expiring contract, so his days with the organization are almost certainly numbered. Plus, he has more than enough on-court ability to attract win-now clubs like the Celtics.

He is a feisty on-ball defender who can create shots (for himself and, to a lesser extent, for his teammates) and bury them from distance. In other words, he has enough two-way juice to handle a rotation spot on a winning team—so long as Detroit steers him toward one.

The Celtics might have a fully loaded starting five, but their bench could absolutely use a perimeter upgrade. Burks would certainly qualify as such.

Kelly Olynyk, Utah Jazz

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 1: Kelly Olynyk #41 of the Utah Jazz passes the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 1, 2024 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kelly Olynyk's first four NBA seasons were spent in Boston. There is a chance his 11th will end there, too.

The Celtics have interest in a potential reunion with Olynyk, per NBA insider Marc Stein, which makes sense given the question marks in their frontcourt. Kristaps Porziņģis has a lengthy injury history, Al Horford is 37 years old and Luke Kornet's playoff experience consists of strictly mop-up duties.

Olynyk could easily settle in as Boston's third big (or maybe second depending on the matchup) and get this offense rolling. The 6'11", 240-pounder pairs feathery soft shooting touch with sharp passing instincts. He has some limitations on defense, but he brings enough to the offensive end to offset them.

The Celtics have won with Olynyk before, and they shouldn't need much convincing that they could do it again.

Delon Wright, Washington Wizards

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WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 29: Delon Wright #55 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena on December 29, 2023 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. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)

Delon Wright has an eye for playmaking and impressive versatility on the defensive end. Blur your eyes, and you can see a rough outline of former Boston fan favorite Marcus Smart—right down to the shaky outside shooting.

Now, Wright isn't that caliber of player, but his strengths are similar. He isn't someone you can rely on for scoring, but if he has scorers around him, the 6'5" floor general will find them.

He shouldn't cost much to acquire, either. He obviously doesn't have a long-term future with the rebuilding Wizards, so a second-round pick might be a good enough sweetener to pry him loose.

At that price, Boston would have to be intrigued to bring him onboard and see if it can squeeze the type of two-way play it hoped it would receive from Dalano Banton.