'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgf/2gAIAQEAAAAAOSL/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAE/9oACAECEAAAAD//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAG/9oACAEDEAAAAEH/xAAjEAABAwMCBwAAAAAAAAAAAAACAQMEAAUHBhESExQiM0Kh/9oACAEBAAE/AMd6Hg5Fh3OFKLoJ9tiKcdwPEYl2irgp7h9GnrbynjbM04gJRXav/8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQD/2gAIAQIBAT8AW//EABkRAAMAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwARQf/aAAgBAwEBPwCMENGTg1n/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Though the Boston Celtics have made it to 3 Eastern Conference Finals in the last 4 years, they've never been to the NBA Finals in the past 10 years. Despite having a talented set of players, they seem to have hit a plateau. In this article, we'll take a closer look at an NBA trade rumor that explains how adding Portland Trail Blazers' big Zach Collins in place of Gordon Hayward might help the Boston Celtics break the playoffs plateau.
NBA Trade Rumors: Zach Collins might add much-needed size to the Boston Celtics' lineup
The Bostons Celtics' 'best 5' lineup is among the most talented starting 5 in the league. But their lack of size in the frontcourt was exposed in the Conference Finals, and they didn't have an answer for Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo in the paint. According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, Portland's Zach Collins might help in alleviating their problems in the frontcourt.
On the latest episode of his podcast 'The Lowe Post', Zach Lowe said that the Boston Celtics shipping Gordon Hayward in exchange for Portland Trail Blazers' Zach Collins, Trevor Ariza, and Rodney Hood might be something both teams can agree upon.
Zach Collins is still 22, and has already shown some potential that he could be a dominant big man in the future. He can also develop into a decent 3-point shooter, which will help the Boston Celtics stretch the floor, giving more room for their guards to attack the rim.
NBA Trade Rumors: Portland Trail Blazers will benefit from Gordon Hayward's offensive versatility
As the competition gets tougher in the Western Conference next season, the Portland Trail Blazers need a serious upgrade to remain a playoff contender. Though not at his prime anymore, Gordon Hayward has a few good years left in him, and can be a great fit for Portland's power forward position. However, this NBA trade rumor will have some weight only if Gordon Hayward agrees to a sign-and-trade deal this season.
While giving up Zach Collins, Trevor Ariza and Rodney Hood might seem too much for a 30-year-old Hayward, we have to keep in mind that Ariza and Hood will be free agents next year, and the Blazers might as well make the most out of their contract before they walk out in 2021.
