Boston Celtics Rumors: Steven Adams trade update, Kevin Love not an option and more

Having lost Kyrie Irving and Al Horford during a disappointing offseason, the Boston Celtics' status as a contender was questioned coming into the 2019-20 season. However, their decision to pay Kemba Walker big money has paid off, while the young trio of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart have benefited from the departing ball-dominant Irving.

Additionally, Gordon Hayward has enjoyed a resurgent start to the season and with a 17-7 record, the Celtics are in a strong position heading into 2020. Nevertheless, certain areas of the roster could use additional quality if the team is to contend with the likes of Milwaukee and Philadelphia come the postseason. So as we head towards the new year, here we look at all the latest Celtics trade rumors you need to know:

#3 Kevin Love won't be heading to Boston

Kevin Love has reportedly been made available by the Cavs

Earlier this month, it was widely reported the Cleveland Cavaliers were willing to trade Kevin Love - and the 5-time All-Star was immediately linked with a move to the Celtics due to the team's past interest. However according to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, the Celtics are not interested in making a move for the 31-year-old due to the length of his contract:

To put it simply, Kevin Love would crush the Celtics' salary structure moving forward. Were he 25 or 26, the conversation might be different, but the money and age and injury history make looking for Love a non-starter.

Love is in the first season of a four-year, $120m extension that he penned following LeBron James' departure back in 2018. The forward has played 23 times so far this season, averaging 15.9 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.

#2 Davis Bertans could be an option at center

Davis Bertans has been among Washington's best performers

The Washington Wizards have made another awful start to the season, although Davis Bertans has impressed managed to impress through 25 appearances - averaging 15.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

Bertans will become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes that the Celtics could send Enes Kanter, Vincent Poirier, and a 2020 pick to Washington in exchange for the Latvian:

He's a free agent after this season, at which time they (Washington) won't have the full-strength sample to discern where they fit in the Eastern Conference. Boston has the supporting cast to make it work and his paint protection might improve on a team that doesn't automatically fold in the half court.

Bertans has spent much of his career playing at power forward, although the 27-year-old occasionally played at the five during his time in San Antonio. He would also serve as an offensive-minded alternative to the defensive focused Daniel Theis.

#1 Steven Adams unlikely to join the Celtics

Steven Adams has been a vital player for the Thunder over the past five seasons

Steven Adams has been regularly linked to the Celtics over the past 12 months, and reports earlier this week suggested that the Oklahoma City Thunder were finally looking to trade their starting center. However according to Chris Grenham of NESN, Boston won't explore signing the 26-year-old due to a lack of cap-space:

Adams is set to make $25.8 million and $27.5 million over the next two seasons, respectively. From a salary-cap matching perspective, if Boston is unwilling to part ways with its core. The buyout market likely could become a target as the season goes on.. (but) Steven Adams is not coming to Boston this season.

Adams is averaging 11.1 points and 9.6 rebounds in 27.3 minutes per game so far this season, although the Kiwi still has two years and more than $52 million remaining on his current contract.