NBA Trade Window: 3 Players that the Boston Celtics should target

Steven Adams is among the players that the Celtics should consider signing ahead of the trade deadline
Steven Adams is among the players that the Celtics should consider signing ahead of the trade deadline

After losing Kyrie Irving and Al Horford during the offseason, many experts questioned the Boston Celtics' ability to contend during the 2019-20 season. However, Brad Stevens' team has made a 22-8 start to the campaign, and the Celtics have been especially impressive at home as they have lost just twice at TD Garden.

Despite concerns that the Celtics had overpaid for his services, Kemba Walker has proved to be an excellent addition to the Boston backcourt, while Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart have all taken huge leaps following the departure of the ball-dominant Irving.

Gordon Hayward has also rediscovered the form that made him an All-Star during his time with the Utah Jazz, and the Celtics will continue to improve as the season progresses.

Nevertheless, they may need to add additional quality to truly compete with the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers, and here we will take a look at three players that the team should be targetting ahead of the trade deadline.


#3 J.J. Redick

J.J. Redick would add experience to a young Celtics roster
J.J. Redick would add experience to a young Celtics roster

The New Orleans Pelicans signed J.J. Redick to a two year, $26.5 million contract during the summer as they looked to make a push for the playoffs. However, due to a number of injuries, the Pelicans are truly out of playoff contention, and the team could be open to trading Redick ahead of the deadline.

Redick has spent the last two seasons competing in the East with the Philadelphia 76ers, and the shooting guard has been a regular fixture in the playoffs since 2007. Redick will turn 36 in June but the former Clipper is still going strong, averaging 15.8 points while shooting 45.7 percent from three-point range.

A first-round pick alongside matching salary may be enough to convince the Pelicans to part with the Tennessee native, and Redick's acquisition would be a major coup.

#2 Steven Adams

Steven Adams would help end Boston's search for a center
Steven Adams would help end Boston's search for a center

Daniel Theis has been solid in his role as the Celtics' starting center so far this season, but the German offers little on the offensive end, and Boston remains in need of an upgrade at the five.

Since failing to add Anthony Davis last summer, the team has been linked with a number of high profile centers such as Clint Capela, although Steven Adams remains the most likely candidate.

The Kiwi has established himself as one of the NBA's most consistent big men over the past five seasons, and despite playing a relatively low 27.8 minutes per game this season, Adams has managed to average 11.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks.

The dilemma with a potential Adams trade is that the Celtics would have to send a player such as Marcus Smart to the Thunder. However, the Kiwi would increase Boston's chances of competing over the next 18 months, and the front office needs to explore a trade if they are serious about winning a championship.

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#1 Davis Bertans

Davis Bertans has excelled from the Washington bench this season
Davis Bertans has excelled from the Washington bench this season

Davis Bertans was a reliable option from the bench for Gregg Popovich during his three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, although the 27-year-old's career has really taken off since he was traded to the Washington Wizards during the offseason.

The Latvian has made 28 appearances for the Wizards this season, averaging 15.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game - which are all career-high numbers.

Bertans has also connected with 43.4 percent of his 8.6 3-point attempts per contest - and the former Spurs man would provide a huge boost to the Celtics' bench.

With his contract set to expire in the summer, the Wizards will be open to offloading the forward, and a trade package centered around a fringe player and a first-round pick should be enough to push through a deal.

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