Boston Celtics: 3 Players that could be traded during the 2019-20 season

Following a disappointing 2018-19 season, the Boston Celtics underwent plenty of changes during a busy offseason. Kyrie Irving moved on after refusing to negotiate a new deal, while Al Horford headed across the East to the Philadelphia 76ers. Nevertheless, the Celtics responded by snapping up All-Star guard Kemba Walker, while Enes Kanter also joined as a potential replacement for Horford.

The offseason moves position Boston as contenders for a playoff spot, although the roster remains a work in progress that still lacks strength and depth in certain areas. Due to this, the Celtics are likely to make further changes as the 2019-20 season progresses, and a number of members on the current roster are in danger of being traded.

So, with moves likely in the coming months, here we will take a look at three Boston stars that may not finish the season with the team.

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#3 Jaylen Brown

Jaylen Brown's form for the Celtics has been mixed through his first three seasons in the NBA

The Celtics remain keen to sign Jaylen Brown to a new deal, although negotiations have hit a roadblock. The 22-year-old is looking to secure a near-max extension worth around $170 million - which is a huge amount for a player that has been inconsistent during his first three seasons in the NBA.

While Brown has shown the potential to grow into an All-Star, his performances throughout the 2018-19 season were considerably worse than during his breakout second year. As a restricted free agent, the Celtics can match any deal for Brown next summer, although the wing is likely to attract a max offer from a rival team due to a historically weak free-agent class.

Ultimately, if the Celtics decide that they are not willing to use up substantial cap space on Brown, he could be flipped for a decent return ahead of the trade deadline.

#2 Enes Kanter

Enes Kanter signed for the Celtics after spending the previous postseason with the Trail Blazers

Despite the competition of the much better equipped Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks, the Celtics enter the new season with the intent to contend. However, while the Sixers and Bucks both have plenty of depth at center, the Celtics are left with Enes Kanter.

The Turkish center enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence during the 2019 playoffs with the Trail Blazers, although his vulnerability on the defensive end remains, and opposition teams will continue to target the former OKC man.

While Kanter would be a fine option from the bench, the Celtics have the likes of Tacko Fall jostling for game time - and it makes more sense to sign an outright replacement for the 27-year-old. Kanter is signed to a two-year, $8 million contract, which shouldn't be too difficult to move ahead of the trade deadline, and it's difficult to envision the center sticking around if the Celtics are in contention as the season progresses.

#1 Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward is yet to make an impact during his time with the Boston Celtics

Gordon Hayward has reportedly enjoyed a strong offseason, although the 29-year-old still faces an uphill battle to remain part of Boston's long-term plans. Hayward is coming off the worst season of his career since his rookie year and the forward is expected to begin the new season as part of Brad Stevens' bench.

Now two years removed from a career-threatening injury, Hayward is also running out of time to show that he can play a key part for the Celtics over the next few years.

Also working against Hayward is the fact that he is owed more than $60 million over the next two seasons on a Celtics roster that lacks cap-space. Ultimately, Hayward could still enjoy a resurgent season and re-establish himself as a starter, however, it is much more likely that the Celtics will look to move him ahead of the trade deadline.