Celtics' Most Realistic Trade Targets in 2024 Offseason
The Boston Celtics have arguably constructed the NBA's deepest and most talented roster.
There's a non-zero chance that whenever their offseason arrives, the answer to the annual inquiry of what this team needs will be a simple "nothing."
Even then, though, Boston might have a few wants on the wish list, whether that's another big man, extra shooting, wing depth or an additional playmaker. The Celtics have enough trade chips to afford any of the above, though actually getting a deal done could be tricky, since they could face strict roster-building restrictions by landing above the second apron.
Boston could easily encounter a scenario in which Payton Pritchard ($6.7 million salary next season, per Spotrac) or Jaden Springer ($4 million) are the only real money-matchers at its disposal. Bargain-hunting would almost certainly be a must, in other words, so let's scan the clearance section and see if we can pinpoint a few cost-effective targets who might be on the radar.
Torrey Craig, Chicago Bulls
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The Celtics have one of the Association's top wing tandems in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but the wing depth erodes pretty quickly behind them. Sam Hauser is the only reserve wing to crack the playoff rotation.
Boston could seek out more security at that spot. Torrey Craig would provide exactly that.
The 33-year-old meets the basic definition of a three-and-D swingman. He's more "D" than "three," but the only thing lacking with his shooting is volume. He doesn't take a ton of triples, but he makes them at a high clip (39.4 percent over this season and last).
He has a $2.8 million player option for next season, per Spotrac, and it's possible he could try to beat that number on the open market. If he picks it up, though, he is someone Boston can fit onto the payroll and work into the regular rotation.
Isaiah Jackson, Indiana Pacers
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Backup bigs have been a talking point in Boston all season, and that's unlikely to change any time soon.
Al Horford might have a timeless feel to his game, but the calendar says he's trudging toward his 38th birthday. And for all of the positives Kristaps Porziņģis has provided during his first season with the Shamrocks, the one thing he hasn't done is quiet the injury concerns around him.
So, yes, depth at center should remain a focus, especially if free agency lures away one or both of Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman. If the Celtics have holes to fill up front, Isaiah Jackson could be a really intriguing target.
A first-round pick in 2021, he hasn't found a ton of minutes on some crowded frontcourts in Indiana, but when he gets the call, he provides an immediate jolt of shot-blocking and above-the-rim finishing. He could really shine on the back line of this defense and on the receiving end of lob passes from Boston's many playmakers.
Jericho Sims, New York Knicks
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Jericho Sims, a second-round pick in 2021, offers similar appeal to Isaiah Jackson, only perhaps with a lesser trade cost.
Sims has found floor time even harder to come by while being buried on the 'Bockers depth chart. The next time he logs even 900 minutes in a season will be the first.
Could that mean there is some untapped ability in his game? Maybe, but Boston would be fine just adding what he has already shown. He is a 6'10", 245-pounder with hops, and he utilizes his physical gifts as a finisher and paint protector.
The Celtics could see him more as emergency depth than a rotation regular, but at the right trade price that's valuable to have given the availability concerns with this interior group.
