NBA Trade Rumors: 3 players that the Boston Celtics are currently targeting

Entering the 2018/19 NBA season, the Boston Celtics were widely expected to be the team that would replace the Cleveland Cavaliers as the dominant force of the Eastern Conference.

Despite this, the Celtics lost 10 of their opening 20 games of the season and have only recently picked up form, winning 7 out of their last 10 games. The Celtics currently sit 5th in the East, although the Boston outfit will need more help to compete with the impressive Toronto Raptors.

So here are three stars from around the NBA that could join the Celtics in the coming weeks.

#3 Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vučević is currently enjoying the best season of his career. The 28-year-old's performances on both ends of the court have been vital to the Magic's challenge for a playoff spot, and Vučević is likely to be rewarded with a first All-Star appearance.

Despite this, his future in Orlando remains in doubt and Bleacher Report has reported that the Celtics could be interested:

The 28-year-old has never played better, posting personal bests in points (21), field-goal percentage (55.2), assists (3.8) and player efficiency rating (27). He's clearing 20 points, 11 boards and three dimes a night, a line only reached by six other players. Vooch has been a Boston target before.. as the Celtics had discussed the 7-footer with the Magic in hopes of strengthening their scoring and rebounding.

Vučević will become an unrestricted free agent in 2019, and the center is likely to sign a much bigger deal than his current $12,750,000 contract. The Magic also have their recent first-round draft pick (Mohamed Bamba) waiting patiently on the sidelines, so despite Vučević's form, he could still be dealt before the NBA trade deadline.

The Celtics are aware that a deal is possible, and a trade with the Magic could be agreed if the team includes Terry Rozier and a draft pick.

#2 Alec Burks

Alec Burks was traded to the Cavs last month as part of the trade to take Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz

Earlier this month, noted NBA writer, Sam Amico revealed the Celtics' interest in Alec Burks, stating:

It’s hard to imagine either Rodney Hood or Alec Burks being on the team (Cleveland Cavaliers) following the Feb. 7 deadline. Both have smaller, expiring contracts. I’ve heard Burks is already drawing interest from the Boston Celtics

The Cavaliers acquired Burks by way of a November trade with the Utah Jazz, although it appears that the team has no long-term plans for the 27-year-old.

Despite this, Burks has impressed during his early appearances for a struggling Cavaliers team, and he is averaging 10.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.

Burks would be a great addition to any of the playoff-chasing teams from around the league, so the Celtics will need to move quickly to secure the Cavs man.

#1 Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis continues to be linked with a trade away from the New Orleans Pelicans

The Celtics are most likely to make a move for Anthony Davis in the summer, although a lot can change before the February trade deadline. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski recently revealed the Celtics' longtime interest in the 25-year-old, and stated that the Celtics were certain to make a move for the Pelicans superstar:

Boston has been hawking Anthony Davis for years. They always hoped that it would be, whether it's the end of this season or the beginning of next before the trade deadline

The so-called 'Rose Rule' rule means that the Celtics would have to include Kyrie Irving in any deal for Davis this season, although this will not be the case next year. Ultimately, the Celtics will go all in for the 5-time All-Star at some point in the next 12 months, although it remains to be seen if they can compete with the trade package that the Los Angeles Lakers are putting together.