3 players Boston Celtics can target with their $17.1 million trade exception

The Boston Celtics dealt Evan Fournier to the New York Knicks this summer in a sign-and-trade deal, creating a traded player exception worth roughly $17.1 million. The Celtics did something similar last year with the Gordon Hayward deal, which saw him move to the Charlotte Hornets. However, the front office is likely to use this exception much sooner than the last one.

3 Players the Boston Celtics should look to sign with the trade exception they created in the Evan Fournier sign-and-trade

The Boston Celtics are expected to have a strong 2021-22 season, considering the additions they have made lately. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have also shown linear growth every year, which is another extremely positive sign for the side.

Former head coach Brad Stevens has taken up a front-office role as well. His replacement, Ime Udoka, is expected to lead the young Celtics side on a deep run in the postseason.

Boston gave up two future second round picks and cash in the deal.As soon as Fournier's 2021-22 contract value is known, we'll know the amount of the TPE. Base Year Compensation (BYC) likely will not come into play here. TPE value is likely to fall in the $15-17M range. https://t.co/pNc7ttXDsr
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) August 17, 2021

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However, the Boston Celtics still need to further improve their roster to compete with the likes of the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks. On that note, here are three players the Boston Celtics management can target with the newly created $17.1 million trade exception:

#3 - Larry Nance Jr. | Power forward, Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. goes for a lay-up during a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. is owed $10.7 million for the next season, which is well below the trade exception the Celtics have. Landing Nance Jr. would leave the option of the Boston Celtics going for another player, or using the exception later.

Larry Nance Jr. plays the power forward position, and the Boston Celtics can certainly use some size and athleticism on the frontcourt. He is also a serviceable defender, and Udoka can play him alongside Jayson Tatum to ease the burden of defense on Tatum.

Nance Jr. averaged nine points, six rebounds, and three assists on 47% shooting from the field and 36% shooting from downtown last season. He will potentially be a valuable addition to the current Celtics squad.

Larry Nance Jr. is the first player in @cavs history to go 7-for-7 or better from the field and 4-for-4 or better from three in the same game.#BeTheFight
— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) January 8, 2021

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Also Read: A closer look at LiAngelo Ball's stats in the 2021 NBA Summer League, and what they can hold for his future

#2 - Kyle Anderson | Power forward, Memphis Grizzlies

Kyle Anderson contests Donovan Mitchell's shot during the Memphis Grizzlies game against the Utah Jazz

NBA trade rumors suggest that Memphis Grizzlies' Kyle Anderson is a player that the Boston Celtics have monitored for some time now. They are said to be fans of his versatility and defense.

Standing at 6'9", Anderson can play both the forward positions and can also slot in at the 5 for the Boston Celtics. On defense, he can hold his own against both wings and bigs and is a useful presence on the offensive end as well.

Report: Celtics have had their eye on Kyle Anderson for ‘quite some time’ https://t.co/hurNNSC9zc
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) June 15, 2021

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Anderson averaged 12 points, five rebounds and three assists per game last year on a 46-36-78 shooting split. He is still only 27 years old, which means his best years are ahead of him. On top of that, the Memphis Grizzlies already have a host of young front-court players in Xavier Tillman, Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke, and Killian Tillie. This means Anderson could be deemed surplus to requirements and he could be available for the Boston Celtics to sign.

#1 - Joe Ingles | Guard/Forward, Utah Jazz

Joe Ingles in action for Australia during the 2021 Olympics

Multiple NBA rumors have indicated that the Utah Jazz plan to offload Joe Ingles this offseason after a poor outing in the 2021 postseason. Ingles is coming off a successful 2020 Tokyo Olympics with Australia, which saw the Boomers bag a bronze medal after defeating Luka Doncic's Slovenia. The 33-year-old recorded some stellar performances in the tournament and has the potential to be a great pickup for the Boston Celtics.

Ingles is adept at playmaking and 3-point shooting and could be a valuable option off the bench for the Boston Celtics. He put up 12 points, three rebounds and four assists per game in the 2021/22 season while shooting 45% from behind the arc. Udoka will be more than happy to have such a player at his disposal.