NBA Trade Rumors: The Boston Celtics are not interested in trading Gordon Hayward or Marcus Smart

What's the rumor?

The Boston Celtics have made an excellent start to the new season, although the team still lacks a dominant big man. Due to their desire to compete with the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks, the Celtics have been linked with big men such as Steven Adams and Clint Capela, although ESPN's Brian Windhorst is reporting that they won't consider including either Marcus Smart or Gordon Hayward as part of a potential trade:

Boston has made it clear to anyone who has asked that their core players are absolutely not available. That includes, sources said, both Hayward and Smart, players who have been floated as possible trade chips in the past.

In case you didn't know...

Marcus Smart has been with the Celtics since 2014, and at 25, is entering the prime years of his career. Over 14 appearances this season, he has averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 31.5 minutes.

Meanwhile, Hayward joined the Celtics as a free agent during the 2017 offseason, although the 29-year-old's first two seasons with the franchise were derailed by injuries. However, before picking up a hand injury earlier this month, Hayward made a resurgent start to the campaign, averaging 18.9 points and 7.1 rebounds in 31.1 minutes per game.

The heart of the matter

While the Celtics still lack quality at the center position, the season is still young - and drastic moves are not yet required. With plenty of options on the roster, a young player could step up over the next month, and the Celtics should keep their current team intact before re-evaluating the center situation ahead of the trade deadline.

What's next?

The Celtics will take on the LA Clippers later tonight as they look to pick up their 12th win in 14 games.