Decisions the Celtics Should Already Regret from the Trade Deadline

The Boston Celtics took the subtle route at the 2024 NBA trade deadline.

Given their prominent place atop the Eastern Conference standings, that always seemed like the most likely scenario.

Was that the right move, though? Did the Celtics, who added backup big Xavier Tillman and reserve guard Jaden Springer, do enough to strengthen their roster? Or should they have acted more aggressively to get this roster in the best possible shape?

Boston may not be second-guessing anything at the moment, but the following three deadline decisions could turn into regrets.

Losing a Locker Room Presence

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MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 25: Lamar Stevens #77 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on January 25, 2024 in Miami, Florida. 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 Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies were, presumably at least, enticed to let Tillman go to the Celtics by the two second-round picks they received in the exchange. That's not to say Lamar Stevens was a throw-in necessarily, but you wonder if Boston could've made the money work by sending out a similarly paid player.

Why would Stevens, who averaged 6.4 minutes across 19 outings for the Celtics this season, be someone they may regret letting go? Because he was, in the words of Jayson Tatum, a "key guy to our team" who helped energize this group.

"Maybe he didn't play as much, but his personality, how hard he worked," Tatum told reporters. "He was a great teammate, and everybody loved Lamar. ... We're going to miss him."

The Celtics needed frontcourt depth, so if dealing Stevens was the only way to make that happen, it was probably the right move. Still, you don't want to take the energy out of a locker room that's gearing up for the always challenging stretch run, so Boston perhaps should've tried to do this deal with someone else.

Not Adding to the Wing Rotation

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 27: Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics reacts after scoring a basket against the LA Clippers during the second quarter at the TD Garden on January 27, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

The Celtics, you may have heard a time or 10, arguably have the best top six in the Association. That's both a testament to the high-end talent this front office has added but also an admission that things drop off after that.

Things look especially light at the wing spots once you move past All-Stars Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Sam Hauser is a knockdown shooter, but that's about the extent of his contributions. Oshae Brissett ups the defensive versatility, but he can also shrink the offensive end as a 6'7" non-shooter. The Celtics have a few guards capable of sliding into a wing spot, but they sacrifice some size and length when doing that.

Outside perhaps a backup big, a reserve wing felt like the priority target on this team's deadline wish list. If Boston could do trade season over again, it might seek more depth behind its stars.

Taking on a Developmental Project

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BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Jaden Springer of the Boston Celtics arrives to the arena before the game on February 13, 2024 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images)

In a vacuum, it's hard to argue against sending out a second-round pick for Jaden Springer.

He is a 21-year-old who isn't even two years removed from being the No. 28 pick of the 2021 draft. He hasn't played much (fewer than 500 career minutes) and needs plenty of polish on offense, but his defense has already turned heads. For instance, Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić and Trae Young shot a combined 6-of-20 against Springer this season, per NBA.com.

There could be some real talent here, so it made sense for someone to take on the developmental project. But should Boston have been that team? When will the Celtics find time to invest in Springer's development? He needs floor time to grow his game, but this championship-chasing bunch can't afford his growing pains.

Again, if given the choice between Springer and a second-round pick, give us the player. But that wasn't a choice Boston had to make. It could have sent that second-rounder elsewhere and likely picked up a player with a more established skill set and, presumably then, a better chance of actually cracking the rotation.