NBA Trade Talk: 7 Trades Boston Celtics Could Make to Stay Competitive

The Boston Celtics have shown their age in each of the previous two seasons coming up short of winning Banner No. 18.

With the "Big Three" seemingly on their last legs, the Celtics will need to add some new, younger talent if they want to continue to compete in Eastern Conference with the Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic.

Here are seven trades the Boston Celtics could make to stay competitive. 

Dwight Howard from Orlando

After trading Kendrick Perkins midseason, the Boston Celtics struggled to find someone to replace him down low at the center position.

The perfect replacement, Dwight Howard.

He averages 18.2 points per game in his career with 12.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks.

Arguably the best center in the game, Howard's contract is up after next season and it has been highly speculated that he will be traded either this season or at the end of the season with a sign-and-trade.

If there is anyway the Celtics can get Howard, they should do it if they want to stay competitive for years to come. 

Josh Smith from Atlanta

If Dwight Howard is unattainable, Josh Smith from the Atlanta Hawks may be the next best thing on the market.

Not the post presence Howard is, Smith could be part of a deadly forward tandem with Kevin Garnett and then take over the power forward position when Garnett retires as he is just 25 years old. 

With the Hawks likely to have already reached their peak potential with the team they have now it may be time for them to trade Smith and bring in some picks and young guns to help out for the future.

Smith should be the Celtics second option if the Dwight Howard trade doesn't work out in the Celtics favor.

Monta Ellis from Golden State

Monta Ellis was rumored to be on the way to Boston in the past but if the Celtics want to make another go at a title with the Big Three, bringing in Ellis would be a good move.

Ellis would give the Celtics a serious scorer at the shooting guard position, although undersized, as he averaged 24.1 points per game in 2010.

He could also slide into the point guard position when Rajon Rondo needed a break as he averaged 5.6 assists per game last season.

At just 25, Ellis could be a valuable player for the Celtics for years to come, and if Danny Ainge can get this guy for the right price, it would be in his best interests.  

Andrew Bynum from Los Angeles

This trade is a long shot for the Boston Celtics but if it could be done, it would make sense for both teams.

Yes, Andrew Bynum is always hurt but the Celtics desperately need a big man and the Lakers seem fed up with Bynum's softness as is apparent that he has been rumored to be involved in a possible deal for Dwight Howard.

When healthy, the seven foot Bynum is a force down low, averaging 11.3 points per game last season to go along with 9.4 rebounds. 

It would be more likely if both teams weren't heated rivals but this deal would give the Lakers something in return for their ailing big man and it would give the Celtics the center they need to go after one more title while the "Big Three" is still able to move without walkers. 

Chauncey Billups from New York

With the New York Knicks seemingly going all-in to go after Chris Paul they will be looking to get rid of any and all expendable contracts, Chauncey Billups is one.

The Boston Celtics have been longing for a serviceable backup for Rajon Rondo ever since he became the starter. 

Billups can be that guy.

If the Celtics want to win another championship with the "Big Three" they will need to bring in proven winners and Billups knows how to win.

"Mr. Big Shot" would be a welcome addition to the veteran savvy Celtics and could help them team get Banner No. 18.

Chris Kaman from Los Angeles

The Boston Celtics desperately need a center and a trade for Chris Kaman could prove that they are more desperate  than ever before.

Not the ideal candidate for the Celtics, Kaman would be a last resort deal but could still help the team if acquired.

As of right now, Jermaine O'Neal is the starting center for the C's and Kaman would certainly be an upgrade over him.

Kaman averaged 12.4 points per game last season to go along with seven rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

If the Celtics can't get anything else done, a trade for Kaman could be a good move to help hoist Banner No. 18. 

No Trade at All

Sometimes the best deal a team can make is no deal at all. This could be the case for the 2011-12 Boston Celtics.

Just two years ago, this team was one game away from hoisting banner No. 18, and they made the playoffs once again last year.

With the right free-agent signings, the Celtics could be poised for another title run with the "Big Three."

If Danny Ainge can find a veteran center and veteran point guard on the free-agent market, it would be in his best interest to inquire and make those signings.

Either way, expect the "Big Three" to have one more title run in them before the wheels fall off.

Follow William Penfield on Twitter @wpenfield