It’s not unusual for fans to start panicking a bit if a team loses some games early in an NBA season, particularly if the team has lofty expectations like the Boston Celtics do at the moment. And if the Celtics were to struggle for some time — particularly due to their potential frontcourt depth issues while big man Robert Williams III is out healing up from arthroscopic surgery, having a handle on what the team’s best options are to trade for some help would undoubtedly be helpful.
To such an end, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently outlined not only Boston’s but every team’s best trade options early in the league’s 2022-23 season.
Let’s see what he sees in the Celtics roster that might be worth reviewing if Boston needs to make a deal mid-season.
3. Payton Pritchard
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“Pritchard has struggled to find consistent floor time through two NBA seasons, and that could continue to be a challenge given his lack of size … and athletic limitations,” writes Buckley.
“However, teams could still see significant spark-plug potential in him, as he pairs a fiery 3-ball (career 41.2%) with sound decision-making (1.9 assists against 0.7 turnovers).”
2. Future draft picks
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“The Celtics owe a top-12 protected pick to the Pacers in 2023 and only have top-one protection on a 2028 swap with the San Antonio Spurs, but otherwise, all of their first-round picks are in their possession,” notes the B/R analyst.
“They have a decent amount of youth for being a win-now contender, but a pick that wouldn’t convey for a few more years would hold substantial appeal.”
1. Grant Williams
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“The Celtics opted against extending Williams, which could be a signal that he’s not a part of the franchise’s future plans,” suggests Buckley.
“Should they not want to cover the cost of his upcoming free agency, they should find a healthy market of interested suitors.”
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Story originally appeared on Celtics Wire
