Boston, Massachussetts - already two months into the season and still no deals closed by the Celtics. Did the management fell asleep? That's what many fans are asking themselves. While many franchises strike deal after deal - for example Oklahoma or San Antonio - there has just been no movements on the trade market for the Celtics. But what is the hold up? Are the Celtics active enough on the market? Do they have the assets needed to find a deal? Or is their team just set?
What is really needed?
Sitting at 23-6 the Celtics have a well balanced team. So the question is, where are the weaknesses and what has to be improved. While the management already adressed many wholes over the past few years. For example 3pt shooting by drafting Miles Bridges or rebounding by trading for Tristan Thompson, there are still wholes to fill. Question is what are those? The franchise knows it, but the needed upgrades are tough to get. Offers are sent out on a regular basis, but the few players fitting the needs are franchiseplayers and are just not yet on the market.
Who could be moved?
The Celtics gathered many movable assets they are willing to part with. Defensive studs like Michael Gbinije and Aaron Gordon, offensive weapons like Kevin Knox - who right now isnt seeing any minutes due to a crowded team - or elite playmakers like David Michineau. On Boston has still some picks left to add in any deal. Next to their firsts, the first round pick of Charlotte this year and Cleveland's next years. Rumors are saying nearly everybody can be moved but De'Aron Fox, Miles Bridges, Isaia Cordinier and Skal Labissiere. Skal might be the only exception if an upgrade at C could be landed.
Outlook for the next Months
Sitting at 23-6 every GM should be fine, but the losses so far came against the top of pops. Like every year that includes Sacramento, Phoenix and Miami. With Oklahomo dropping out of the top, it appears the Houston Rockets are back at the top - and even to that team the Celtics already lost at home. That's just not acceptable and nearly resulted in the coach getting fired. So it shows moves are needed to keep up with the best. The Celtics are still young and intenal development might help getting even closer to a title, but so are Miami and Phoenix and the (again) upcoming Detroit Pistons. So the chances for further moves by Boston are fairly high. Odds are that Michael Gbinije will be moved before the deadline by 90%, Kevin Knox by 70%, Aaron Gordon by 60% and Kevin Knox as well as Skal Labissiere at 50%. The only question will be, what is coming back? Can the Celtics consolidate or will it be smaller moves that includes picks and you joining the franchise?
2028
