FanPost

Under The Radar Trade Targets (and some obvious ones)

Clearly the Celtics have gotten off to a rough start. Some of that has to do with injuries, but rebounding and defensive deficiencies have contributed as well. I'm not all that worried about this team, I still think they'll eclipse the 50 win mark as currently constructed, but were still pretty far behind the elite 3 teams in the NBA (maybe even 4 if you want to throw the Clippers in there). I'm going to propose a few trades that may help the C's catch up.

Realistic Targets

Derrick Favors

My Offer: Kelly Olynyk, Amir Johnson OR Tyler Zeller and Nets 2018

Logic: This is my favorite trade that no one is talking about. Favors has one more year left on his modest contract and will be looking for a big payday next summer. With the fat contract Gobert just signed, and the emergence of Trey Lyles (both Lyles and Favors are averaging 23 mpg) Favors becomes expendable. Not to mention Grant Hill, Gordon Hayward and Rodney Hood will all be looking for big raises either this offseason or next. Obvious one for the Celtics, Favors blocks shots, rebounds, plays tough and will not ruin our shot at another max player this offseason.

Serge Ibaka

My Offer: Amir Johnson, Jordan Mickey OR Demetrius Jackson, Clippers 2019 1st,

Logic: I know Orlando just traded a lot more to acquire him, but sometimes you have to acknowledge a sunk cost and move on. Are they really prepared to pay Ibaka 20 Million+ after paying giving that ridiculous contract to Biyombo? Doubt it, but who knows. I'd add some seconds if needed. Similar to Favors, Ibaka would slot into the starting lineup perfectly. With his bird rights in hand, we could still add a max player provided Ibaka's willing to play ball and hold off on resigning until the cap space is used.

Demarcus Cousins

My Offer: Amir Johnson, Kelly Ollynyk, Terry Rozier, Nets 2018, Clippers 2019, Memphis 2019

Logic: I'm not trading the 2017 Nets pick for Boogie. This seems like a lot still, but It's still less than what Cousins is truly worth. Character issues aside, the guy is a legit top 10 player and the best Center in the league. I believe in the culture Brad and Danny have established so I wouldn't worry about him causing problems. The guy has never won more than 35 games in his NBA career, with his level of talent, that must be pretty frustrating. Feels like Vlade is the last GM in the league who just has no clue what he's doing. Unless the Lakers decide to break up the young core Sacramento will not get a better offer. The polarizing center loses value with each passing day.

Jahlil Okafor

My Offer: Terry Rozier, James Young, Clippers 2019, Memphis 2019

Logic: I love Jah's upside, especially if Isaiah isn't the long tern answer at PG. A future lineup with Smart, Bradley, Brown, Horford and Jah would be very effective. Horfords passing and shooting compliments Okafors skill set tremendously. Yeah this probably won't move the needle much this year, but it could pay huge dividends in the future when Jah is averaging 22/10.

Less Realistic Targets

Klay Thompson

My Offer: Amir Johnson, Avery Bradley, Nets 2017

Logic: The guy scored 36 points in one quarter and plays lockdown D. I know Avery has had a great seasons so far and that Nets pick is our most valuable asset, but Klay Thompson's just worth it. His value is at an all time low right now and AB is at an all-time high. This trade actually makes GS better now and sets them up for the future. Not to mention AB is looking for 20 million+ himself after next season.

John Wall

My Offer: Isaiah Thomas, Tyler Zeller, Jordan Mickey, Memphis 2019

Logic: Before all the IT fans bite my head off, realize this, basketball has two separate but equally important phases, offense and defense. MAYBE you can make an argument of IT being a better offensive player than John Wall and that has a lot to do with the Celtics system and lack of scoring options. On defense, Wall is vastly superior. If you ranked the leagues PGs on their defensive and offensive abilities john wall would be top 6 or 7 in both categories, IT would be top 6 or 7 in offense and bottom 3 on defense. Don't site me steals or defensive rating, just watch the playoff tape, IT is a liability on that end.

Anthony Davis

My Offer: Just kidding they're not trading him.

Logic: New Orleans management isn't brain dead.

FanPosts are fan-created content and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CelticsBlog. Be respectful and keep it clean. Thanks.