Garden Report: Celtics Early Trade Deadline Ideas

Danny Ainge spoke about Boston roster issues, his own accountability after a slow start and the possible need to make changes to the 14-14 Celtics. The Garden Report discussed various trade targets ahead of the Mar. 25 deadline, that fit within the traded player exception and other options — courtesy of CLNS Media.

Harrison Barnes — Sacramento Kings

If Harrison Barnes got sent from the Kings to the Celtics in a trade, it’d be the perfect target for an addition due to his solid contract. If the Kings keep on winning they will hold onto Barnes, according to reports, but if they start losing again, this would be a good year for them to bottom out and get some solid NBA Draft capital. Sacramento beat Boston during their road trip and have remained hot since behind the play of De’Aaron Fox. Chris Grenham explains the case for Barnes on Celtics Beat.

John Collins — Atlanta Hawks

After an “audition” game, The Garden Report debates the cost and risk of trying to poach John Collins from the Hawks. Collins, a restricted free agent, dropped 20 points (6/9 shooting, 8/8 FT) with 6 rebounds and 2 assists in the Hawks 122-114 win over the Celtics. Celtics GM Danny Ainge and Assistant GM/VP of Basketball Operations Mike Zarren were in attendance, leaving fans to speculate.

Nikola Vucevic — Orlando Magic

Nikola Vucevic is in the best year of his career, averaging 24 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists while drilling 40% of his threes. Could he be an answer for the Celtics with the TPE given his $26 million salary? The Magic have lost Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony among others to injury and are fading away in the east. They could be the first team to start selling ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. The question, as always, is what would it cost? The Garden Report debates.

Andre Drummond — Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers sat Andre Drummond for good as they plan to trade him ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. Sam Amick of The Athletic soon reported that the Celtics have strong interest in the big man. It’s unclear if that’s via trade or a potential buyout, since Boston would have to use its full TPE on Drummond then hand him a new contract next offseason, not to mention trade away players to stay under the hard cap. Drummond averages 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game as a main piece in Cleveland. He’s a net -7 and his 98 offensive rating is one of the worst in basketball among regular rotation players. The Garden Report debates his fit in Boston.

Blake Griffin — Detroit Pistons

CLNS Media’s Mariah Janos and Bobby Manning discuss the list of teams Blake Griffin could potentially end up on.

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