NBA Trade Rumors: How Boston Celtics Can Fill Gaps in Roster

As the February 21 trade deadline approaches, the Boston Celtics are apparently still thinking about filling the holes left in their roster by injured players like Rajon Rondo, Jared Sullinger and Leandro Barbosa.

Yahoo! Sports reported that the Celtics were in talks with the Los Angeles Clippers regarding a trade involving Kevin Garnett for guard Eric Bledsoe and center DeAndre Jordan. Though Kevin Garnett has expressed his unwillingness to wave his no-trade clause, the Celtics remain interested in Bledsoe, according to ESPN.

Bledsoe would provide some serious backup for Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee after guards Rondo and Barbosa suffered season-ending injuries.

ESPN also reported, “NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com on Monday that the Boston Celtics have, indeed, registered their interest on the [Atlanta Hawks’ power forward] Smith front, with the caveat that they also remain highly interested in the Clippers’ Eric Bledsoe.” Because Garnett seems averse to waving his no-trade clause, such a deal for Smith would probably involve Boston’s beloved Paul Pierce.

With Sullinger out for the season with a back injury and Garnett’s age requiring him to watch his minutes, a power forward like Smith would certainly help Boston on the low post.

Rumors were also swirling on Friday about a possible trade between the Celtics and the Lakers. As reported CBS Sports, the Lakers and Celtics were engaged in “preliminary trade discussions” about a Rajon Rondo-Dwight Howard deal. Big man Howard, like Smith, would definitely help the Celtics reinforce the low post.

According to the Boston Herald, Pierce said of Boston’s need to add players to their roster: “I think it’s needed. I mean, right now, we’ve got 10 healthy bodies, so we could use a little depth pretty much at every position. Practice is going to be tough. Kevin’s going to need rest at practice. I’m going to need rest at practice the rest of the way so we can made a second-half push.”

As of now, it appears that Boston is looking to add a guard or a big man, if anyone, before the trade deadline arrives.