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#2 Lonzo Ball
With Walker departing, the Boston Celtics will now be in the market for a new point guard. More importantly, somebody who fits in better alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who doesn't necessarily have to be the primary ball-handler to shine but who can also create shots for others.
Lonzo Ball became a free agent this offseason and will be on many teams' radar after his career-high shooting season in New Orleans. The 23-year-old was a prolific three-point scorer this year, connecting with 37.8% of attempts from beyond the arc and scoring six threes or more in seven games.
In order to attain his services, the Pelicans may take part in a sign-and-trade deal with the Boston Celtics in which they would receive Marcus Smart and a future first round pick. That would shed a big contract off of Boston's books while bringing in an exciting young two-way guard. Although they would lose Smart's defensive toughness, Ball averaged the same amount of steals as the Celtics guard this year (1.5 per game) and had the same defensive rating (113).
#3 Larry Nance Jr.
As well as a new point guard, the Boston Celtics badly need help in the paint and while Al Horford provides that, it is not certain if the C's will use him as part of another trade deal this offseason. They could therefore trade for a versatile forward who won't put them out of pocket in Larry Nance Jr.
Although it could be difficult to prize him away from the Cleveland Cavaliers, the C's could offer multiple future picks, Romeo Langford or another of their young role players. They also have the benefit of the fact that the Cavs have a wealth of talent on their frontcourt.
Nance is effective on both ends of the floor and could be the Celtics' starting power forward or as an exciting weapon to have off the bench. For a big man he can do it all. He shoots the three balls well, grabbed 1.7 steals per game last year, close to seven rebounds and could be an option as a small-ball five in the paint on defense.
