Celtics trade rumors: 3 players could leave ahead of the deadline

The NBA trade deadline will close next week ahead of the annual NBA All-Star Event in North Carolina. The trade window has always closed on the Thursday after the All-Star Game, however, since 2018, the deadline has closed 10 days before the NBA's best players face off in the prestigious game.

The deadline was then moved forward in order to allow traded players to sort out arrangements for themselves. The NBA is unlikely to move the deadline back anytime soon. The trade deadline is still one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, and the next seven days are likely to provide a number of twists and turns.

The Boston Celtics season so far has been somewhat disappointing, although the team will be confident that they can compete in the postseason. The Celtics currently boast one of the best rosters in the NBA, and the team is also reportedly looking to add Anthony Davis in the summer. Nevertheless, the Celtics current depth means that the team may be open to letting one or two individuals leave ahead of the trade deadline, and here we will look at the three individuals that are the most likely to exit Boston.

#3 Semi Ojeleye

Milwaukee Bucks v Boston Celtics - Game Seven

Semi Ojeleye was selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2017 NBA draft, after playing three seasons of college basketball. Ojeleye played 73 times during his rookie season, averaging 15.8 minutes per contest, although the 24-year-old's playing time has dropped this season, and Ojeleye is only playing just over 10 minutes each night.

The power forward has also failed to provide much on either end for the Celtics, and Ojeleye is currently shooting just 29% from beyond the arc. Ultimately, Ojeleye is unlikely to be part of the Celtics plans going forward, and if the team receives a decent offer for him, the Celtics are likely to let him depart

#2 Daniel Theis

Daniel Theis went undrafted during the 2013 NBA draft, although the German eventually made it to the NBA after starring for the Brose Bamberg in the German league. Thies' performances led to the Celtics signing him back in July of 2017, and the 26-year-old went on to play 63 games in his rookie season, averaging 5.3 points, 4.3 rebounds in 14.9 minutes per game.

Theis has continued to play a similar number of minutes during the 18/19 season, although the Celtics are currently stacked at the center position, and the German's minutes are likely to be reduced considerably during the playoffs. Theis is also set to become a free agent during the summer, and the Celtics will consider trading the center away as the entire Boston roster is currently fit and healthy. The German could attract interest from teams such as the Rockets, so a trade looks likely.

#1 Terry Rozier

There is no doubting that Terry Rozier has no long term future in Boston, although the Celtics may want to keep the 24-year-old until at the end of the season as Rozier is among the best back up point guards in the league. During last seasons playoffs, Rozier averaged 16.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per contest and once again this season, Scary Terry has stepped up in games that Irving has missed through injury.

Nevertheless, Rozier has throughout the season expressed his discontent at being a backup, and a number of teams around the NBA are currently on the lookout for a new point guard. The likes of the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans have all been linked with Rozier, and with the point guard set to become a restricted free agent this summer, the Celtics may make the tough decision to trade him ahead of the deadline.