NBA Trade Rumors: Michael Beasley Would Rejuvenate Aging Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are getting old. It's evident in game program and even more evident on the court, so the front office needs to make a move to infuse a little youth into the mix before the trade deadline.

Michael Beasley would provide a major boost to the Celtics' chances simply by providing a spark the team doesn't have right now. His name has already been tossed around in a potential deal, according to Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio.

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And the scuttlebutt before Tuesday’s game was that the Celtics might be looking to make a deal that involves sending veteran center Jermaine O’Neal to Minnesota and landing young forward Michael Beasley in return.

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At first glance it might seem like an odd trade to make. After all, Paul Pierce is already holding down the fort at the small forward spot and O’Neal had been the team's starting center before his wrist injury. But when you dig deeper it actually makes perfect sense of Boston.

Moving O'Neal would open up more consistent playing time for Brandon Bass, who has been far more effective during his minutes anyway. Even Chris Wilcox has outplayed O'Neal during his limited minutes throughout the season.

So, it's really like addition by subtraction in the paint. Doc Rivers seems committed to playing O'Neal when he's healthy, but he can't put him in the game if he's not on the roster.

Then there's Beasley. A drastic cut in his playing time has dropped his numbers to 13 points and eight rebounds per game, so finding a new home would be in his best interest.

Boston would be a perfect fit. He can play extended minutes at both forward positions to help veterans Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett get a little more rest down the stretch now that they have a little breathing room in the playoff race.

Beasley has shown maturity this season in Minnesota by adapting to a bench role. There were concerns about his attitude in the past, but it seems like he's grown up and is willing to contribute in whatever role he's asked.

That type of team-first outlook is necessary to play for the Celtics, unless you want Garnett giving you a stare down.

All told, the swap would provide the Celtics with much-needed boost. Beasley has a boatload of talent, making him a terrific sixth man and ridding themselves of O'Neal actually helps their chances moving forward. Assuming no other major pieces are involved, it's a great trade.

Beasley would give his older teammates a jolt of energy to finish strong. That's exactly what Boston needs right about now.