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Just going to drop in a few Celtics related rumors ahead of the NBA trade deadline and start a discussion thread in the comments below.
Boston has appeared motivated to use some or all of its $28.5 million trade exception, per rival execs. The Celtics have swapped offers with Orlando and have shown a willingness to deal All Defensive team guard Marcus Smart. It’s unclear how much interest the Magic have in Smart, in part because Orlando has no interest in winning, in part because Smart may chafe at joining a rebuilding team. The Magic could acquire Smart and look to re-route him in a three-team deal that brings more draft compensation back.
Chris also mentions that the Celtics may be floating the interest in Aaron Gordon to pressure the Kings to re-engage in talks for Harrison Barnes.
Just a little more on the Aaron Gordon trade front here. An NBA executive, watching from afar when it comes to the Gordon sweepstakes, says he’s not the only name the Celtics are chasing. If he was, the deal would be done. Executing deals with Boston can be tricky. Offers are often made out of Beantown for players not currently on the Celtics’ roster (meaning a third team has to get involved), which can frustrate colleagues looking to make a big deal. For any team looking to add picks, ultimately those talks are going to have to run through Oklahoma City, which seems to have enough of them to hold its own NBA draft, for a season or two. And what would the Thunder want for its treasure trove of picks? Thus, the conundrum.
Boston's attention continues to be on Aaron Gordon, with the likelihood of a deal for Harrison Barnes fading. Kings have no interest in selling low on Barnes, believing he can be a key piece for a playoff push next season.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) March 24, 2021
Woj says the Celtics and Mavericks could be in on Andre Drummond if he reaches the buyout market. The LA teams and Brooklyn were also mentioned.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 24, 2021
Woj says Boston is "very serious" about trying to acquiring Aaon Gordon.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 24, 2021
Poll
Would you be willing to trade Marcus Smart if it brought back Aaron Gordon?
This poll is closed
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24%
Yes
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57%
No
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18%
It depends