The Boston Celtics are trying to be contenders in the Eastern Conference. The team emerged as a dark horse last season and is keeping the momentum moving. However, in order to get over that final hump, trade deals are starting to come into the picture for the Celtics as they are in the best position to make a move at the league deadline. With improvement coming from their current roster, will the Celtics make a trade or stick with what they have?
While Jae Crowder is easily one of the MVP's for the Celtics during this season, his name is coming up in trade talks. While these deals might now happen, they are on the Celtics' radar and will be a considered option. According to Chris Mannix and Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Crowder is being targeted in trades to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Kevin Love or Timofey Mozgov. Now before any Boston fans freak out, Cavaliers general manager David Griffin has already stated the team is not dealing Love. Wojnarowski says that Danny Ainge is a big fan of Love's, but the chance he can convince Cleveland to deal is slim.
Crowder is only in his third year in the league and currently averaging 14.5 points per game. The only player on Cleveland's roster worth trading him for is Love. The Cavaliers would like to get a deal for Timofey Mozgov, but dealing Crowder for the center serves no purpose for Boston. According to Wojnarowski, the Celtics want to add a max-contract player for next year and that could still be Love. If Cleveland does not make it to the NBA Finals, the chances they dismantle the roster are high. Love could be the first to go and that is when Boston could make a move.
One player that is available in deals is David Lee. According to NESN.com, Lee is not happy with his role on the Celtics and while he has not requested a trade from the team, he would welcome a move. Lee has been falling to the bench with the Celtics going for a smaller lineup. Tyler Zeller has been feeling the same squeeze. Both players have expiring contracts to their names which makes them prime trade targets at the deadline. One team listed as an option is the Los Angeles Lakers who want to deal the expiring contract of Roy Hibbert.
The Celtics do not appear desperate to make a move. While they might want to deal Lee, it is not necessary this season. The team is playing well thanks to high scoring from Marcus Smart and Isaiah Thomas. They have the pieces to make a run in the playoffs while being set up well for another big offseason.
