The Boston Celtics are trying to become contenders in the Eastern Conference, something that is proving more difficult with consistency an issue for the team. As the trade deadline gets closer, the Celtics are once again getting linked to a number of deals that could help boost them back into contention for the postseason. With less than a month until the trade deadline, David Lee is getting plenty of attention.
Lee was a big offseason signing for the Celtics as they hoped he would be a solid frontcourt presence. However, he has been struggling lately and the Celtics are eyeing a trade of his expiring $15.5 million contract. According to Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com, the Celtics are searching for a trade of Lee and the Toronto Raptors appear to be interested. The question is who the Raptors give up to get Lee and do they really need him. Toronto is not trading DeMarre Carroll, Kyle Lowry or Jonas Valanciunas. Patrick Patterson and Terrence Ross could be options, but their lengthy contracts are not what Danny Ainge is looking for in a trade.
The only logical option for the Celtics is DeMar DeRozan. The Raptors star is expected to opt out of his current contract at the end of the season and while he has said he plans on staying in Toronto, teams like the Lakers are already prepping max contracts. According to CelticsBlog.com, the interest in DeRozan is coming because many believe the Raptors are not interested in extending his contract and could be willing to trade him off in order to get something in return. The Celtics are in the best position to make a trade considering all of the draft picks they have stashed. The chances this deal happens is slim to none. Could Boston technically make the trade work? Yes, but the Raptors do not appear ready to sell just yet.
According to the Boston Herald, Lee has not asked for a trade, but he is unhappy with the Celtics. He is recording the lowest minutes of his career while shooting believe 50 percent. He is not the only one unhappy. Tyler Zeller continues to get benched. According to NBA writer David Aldridge, Zeller could be a trade target with his expiring contract. Jared Sullinger is an option as well, but has been excelling lately and might be too valuable to let go.
The Celtics have been linked to trades during deadline time for the past two years and have never really made a serious move. Ainge has the draft picks to get a blockbuster deal done. However, he remains adamant about not acquiring over-priced contracts with long-term commitments. He could easily stay quiet at the deadline yet again.