The Boston Celtics could be an option for the Markieff Morris trade with the Suns, as the Celtics have some roster decisions to make with over 15 guaranteed players and names like Jared Sullinger, Perry Jones, Kelly Olynyk or Evan Turner could be traded to help get that done and this comes as Tyler Zeller is likely getting a contract extension.
The Celtics traded for Zoran Dragic from the Heat and then waived him, but the team still has 16 guaranteed players on the roster and that means decisions are coming. The Celtics have depth in the backcourt and upfront at forward/center and the team could consider making a deal over cutting players. According to Kevin Pelton at ESPN.com, Markieff Morris wants out of Phoenix and two teams he mentioned that could make a strong deal for Morris are the Celtics and Raptors.
The Celtics have been an active team this offseason despite missing out on big name free agents, as the team signed Amir Johnson, Jae Crowder and Jonas Jerebko along with trades for Jones and David Lee. The team drafted Jordan Mickey and Terry Rozier and with Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas on the roster, the team has some flexibility there. The Celtics will have to make a move with someone and a trade could bring something of value back.
According to CBS Boston, the team could consider a move with either Jared Sullinger, Perry Jones, Kelly Olynyk or Evan Turner, as the team has depth in those areas. Jones has the potential to stick around, as the site writes that he has "size and athleticism" and there is a chance that the team keeps him through the preseason. The Celtics have Jordan Walden and Malcolm Miller looking to compete for roster spots and the team also may have Levi Randolph for the training camp roster. The team likely will push those players to the D-League, as there is not much room to make it for the Celtics this year.
The Celtics are also looking to sign Tyler Zeller to a contract extension, as A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com reports that the team wants to get a deal done before the October 31 deadline. Blakely writes that the Celtics have Jones and Sullinger also eligible for deals and that Zeller is the "most likely" of the three to get an extension. With Sullinger and Jones as potential options to be traded, the team likely will concentrate on Zeller towards the season with getting a deal done. Crowder was signed to a five-year, $35 million deal and now Zeller could get something in that range.
The Celtics could make a trade and keep their depth up front by bringing in Morris, who is signed for a fairly affordable four years and $32 million. Morris has increased his averages across the board over the past few years and he put up career high numbers in Phoenix last season. Morris reportedly prefers deals to the Rockets or Raptors, as he has relationships with James Harden and Kyle Lowry.
Check here for more on the Boston Celtics or for more on the Morris trade options.
