Best Options for the Celtics Massive Trade Exception

5. Aaron Gordon

In a previous article I named Aaron Gordon as one of the most miserable players in the NBA. We’ve gotta get him out of Orlando and onto a contender. Gordon could give Boston a solid wing to play the 3 or 4. His ability to knock down open shots, his off the charts athleticism, and his ability to stay in front of the ball handler are all traits the Celtics could use right now. Boston, historically an annual top 5 defense, has struggled on that side of the ball this season. Coach Brad Stevens said “We need to get better, right now we don’t pass the eye test.” This describes the Celtics defense perfectly so far this season. Boston currently ranks 13th in defensive rating and have given up over 100 points in 5 of their last 6 games, going 3-3 over that stretch. Coach Stevens often gets the best out of his players, especially on the defensive end, and I believe being in a winning culture will bring more out of Gordon. They always say defense is all about effort. He could also help sure up a Celtics bench that has been brutal to start the year, or slide into the starting lineup to allow Marcus Smart to go back to a sixth man role. Gordon will be happier in Boston and the Celtics could sure use his skills.

(Getty Images)

4. Al Horford

Why not??? Let’s bring back Uncle Al. Al Horford is currently the starting center for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but spent three seasons with the Boston Celtics from 2016-2019. Horford helped lead to the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals twice while in green and provided them with an absolute anchor on the defensive end. His ability to expand his shooting inside of Brad Stevens’ offense allowed the Celtics to freely move the ball around the wings and towards the basket. Horford left the Celtics after the debacle of a season in 2018-19, the Toxic Celtics as me and Celtics twitter like to call them. He was paid massive contract by the 76ers and understandably accepted it. After Philly flamed out in the playoffs and Horford had the worst season of his career, he was traded to OKC. Now Horford is on a team with a completely different timeline as him. The Thunder are looking towards the future and the clock is ticking on Al to get a ring. The Celtics would have to ship out players to make this deal happen, but bringing back a player who already knows the system and played with the two Jays before would be huge for Boston. Al was a leader in the locker room while in Boston and loved by the city, it would be a joy to have him back at the Garden.

(Alonzo Adams/USA Today Sports)

3. Derrick Rose

The Celtics need help at point guard. It is obvious to anyone who watches them on a regular basis. The starter, 4-time All Star Kemba Walker, isn’t the problem. The problem is that he can’t play 48 minutes a night. Marcus Smart has served as the backup point guard in the past, but now he’s the starting SG. Payton Pritchard, the rookie out of Oregon, has been a pleasant surprise for Boston this year, but still needs time to mature into the NBA. Jeff Teague, the Celtics’ newest free agent acquisition, has been brutal so far this year. Boston expected to be able to turn the keys over to Teague for about 15-18 minutes a night without worry, but boy has that become tough. Teague is shooting a remarkably bad 32% from the floor. Not from 3, just in general. 32%. His less than stellar defensive rating of 111 per 100 possessions isn’t forcing Boston to play him either. So, I beg of you, give me some D Rose. Rose would be awesome for this team. The former MVP is still incredibly crafty with the basketball and can lead a high level offense for long stretches. He is averaging 14.2 PPG off the bench for the Pistons and was linked in trade rumors to the Lakers last trade deadline. The Pistons are surely going to examine the packages for Rose this year and Boston has the money, assists, and young talent to get a deal done. Rose’s experience in high level playoff games will only add to a roster with an average age of 25.

(essentialsports.com)

2. Nikola Vucevic

As a die hard Celtics fan, if you were to ask me who I wanted in the league for the past 2 or 3 years, its always been Nikola Vucevic. Vuc has turned into an All-Star level center in his 9 years in Orlando. He got traded in the Dwight Howard deal, weird to remember. Anyways, Vuc is exactly what Boston has needed since the minute Al Horford went to Philly. When asked recently about what the Celtics roster is in need of, Celtics GM Danny Ainge told Yahoo Sports’ Keith Smith, “Shooting with size.” I think that was my man Vuc’s high school yearbook quote. He has been one of the better 3-point shooting centers in the league since he started attempting more than 3 a game in 2017-18. He is currently shooting 43% from deep on 6 attempts per game. That’s impressive for a guard, let alone a big man. Orlando has been reluctant to discuss Vuc in trade talks the last few years, but after stumbling out of the gate this year, I believe they will be open for business. Vuc did not crack the number one spot because the Celtics would have to include players in this deal to make the numbers match, but he is the best big man option the Celtics have.

(paceandspacehoops.com)

1. Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes could be a Celtic by the end of the month. Barnes is currently with the Sacramento Kings averaging 17.2 PPG, up from his 14.5 mark from last year. I believe the Kings need to shake up their roster and will sell high on Barnes’ hot play this year. Barnes, similar to Aaron Gordon, would allow the Celtics to move Smart back to the bench. His 6’8” frame allows him to stay in front of defenders and guard one through four. He would, like many others on this list, bring a veteran presence and experience to a very young team. Barnes won a ring with the Warriors and started on the Warriors 72-9 team. Celtics cult hero and current color commentator Brian Scalabrine gushed about Barnes on air during last night’s game against the Kings, calling him “an incredible teammate and leader.” His 41% from 3 is exactly what the Celtics need to spread the floor and make room for their star wings. He is also not afraid to be the 4th option on a championship team as that was his exact role in Golden State. I think Barnes is a perfect fit for the Celtics. He is a culture guy and team leader who still has a lot left in the tank and will bring a new life to the Celtics starting 5. He cracks the top of this list because his contract would be completely covered by the Celtics Trade Exception, meaning they don’t have to include a player and could trade just money and picks for Barnes. The loss of Gordon Hayward in the off-season has been big for the Cs to start the year, Harrison Barnes could act as a steading 3 and D player for Boston.

(nbcsports.com)