The Boston Celtics are one of the many teams that simply did not have the free agency run they were hoping for. With salary cap space and draft picks to burn, the Celtics made zero headway in attaining super stars for the future. As a result, they continued to load up on tradeable players and picks to give away which could set them up for big moves in the future. However, injuries could derail those talks as the team suffered a scare in the offseason.
Kelly Olynyk got a scare while playing for team Canada. The forward appeared to suffer a knee injury during an exhibition game in the FIBA Americas Championship. According to the Toronto Sun, the forward is fine, but being held out as a precaution, something the Celtics are likely thankful of. His injury scare brings up the depth at the position as trade rumors continue to fly around Jared Sullinger. The power forward has seen his future come into question as the Celtics would have to favor Olynyk over Sullinger in order to make a deal.
According to the Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett, general manager Danny Ainge is working towards a mega trade in the near future. While the Celtics want to maintain flexibility, they also are searching for stars to cap off their rebuilding process. The Celtics have everything needed to pull off a big move, but it is unclear exactly what Boston could be targeting.
Speculation is running wild over what that report might mean. The Celtics have been linked to several trade deals. ESPN listed them as an option for a deal for Markieff Morris after the forward expressed his desire to be moved from the Phoenix Suns. That would require Sullinger or even Olynyk to be sent away. However, it could also mean DeMarcus Cousins is headed east. The center's relationship with the Sacramento Kings have been put into question after George Karl was rumored to be shopping him during the NBA Draft. The Celtics have been linked to Cousins for some time now, but have yet to make a serious move for him. He would fit the description of a powerful trade.
For now the Celtics will operate with what they have before trying to make some mid-season moves. Everyone from Marcus Smart to Sullinger could be shopped as Ainge continues to hunt for the best roster.
