The Boston Celtics are the reigning champions and brought back nearly the exact same roster a year later. From last season’s championship team, only Oshae Brissett (unsigned) and Svi Mykhailiuk (signed with the Utah Jazz) are out of the picture. So far, this continuity is paying off for Boston. They are 21-5 and only rank behind the Cleveland Cavaliers in the league standings. Additionally, they rank as a top-10 team on both sides of the ball. In addition to their success so far, Boston’s financial situation will make it difficult for them to make any notable trades. However, they do have an open roster spot remaining and could look to add reinforcements by February’s trade deadline. Recently, Celtics insider Chris Forsberg suggested that Boston could reunite with three former players via a trade at this point this season. Forsberg named Javonte Green, Daniel Theis, and Guerschon Yabusele as candidates.
“Still there are plenty of old friends who could be available around the league. Daniel Theis and Javonte Green are on minimum deals in New Orleans. Could you call Philly about Guerschon Yabusele if the Sixers decide to punt on the season? Is there a 3-and-D vet on a team preparing to chase Cooper Flagg?” Forsberg wrote.
Celtics Insider Names 3 Candidates for Potential Reunion
Taking a Look at the Boston Celtics’ Potential Trade Targets
At this point in the season, it is tough to determine the likelihood of a Celtics trade. The only piece of information we know is that the Celtics previously explored a trade to ship Jaden Springer out. Springer is in the last year of his rookie contract and will hit free agency next summer. In nearly a year with the Celtics, he has struggled to establish a consistent role. This makes him the Celtics’ likeliest trade candidate. If the Celtics do make any trades this season, it could be best to acquire a player familiar with the organization.
Green and Theis each spent multiple seasons in Boston to begin their official NBA careers. Additionally, the team shipped both of them to the Chicago Bulls in 2021. The Celtics had since brought Theis back before trading him to the Indiana Pacers in the 2022 offseason. Now, both players find themselves on the New Orleans Pelicans, who could be active in the trade market. Both players would provide good depth for Boston in a hypothetical trade.
As for Yabusele, he joined the Philadelphia 76ers after this year’s Olympics. However, the French native spent the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons with the Celtics. Yabusele is playing solid basketball in Philadelphia right now, averaging 9.2 points on 47.6% shooting.
The Last Word
The Celtics, when fully healthy, remain the best team in the league. By no means do they have to make a trade. However, Brad Stevens has always made it clear that he will do whatever it takes to ensure the Celtics’ success. From now until the trade deadline in February, the Celtics may be a team to monitor as they aim to repeat as champions, a feat last accomplished by the Golden State Warriors in 2018.
The post Celtics Insider Names 3 Candidates for Potential Reunion appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.