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NBA Trade Rumors: Trade Priorities For All 30 Teams

By Aaron Ferguson

Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics
Nov 20, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) and guard Isaiah Thomas (4) react after a play against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are a young team in need of a veteran presence. It has been clear that the Celtics are buyers and actively looking to upgrade. They are interested in Horford and Teague, but also have been linked to Danilo Gallinari. According to MassLive.com, they aren’t willing to risk their best assets for older players, especially one that could leave following this season.

There isn’t a clear definition of what the Celtics are willing to trade, but it is clear that they won’t be trading the Nets’ 2016 first round pick, according to MassLive.com. It would likely take a franchise player for the Celtics to move the pick, and it’s not likely a team will be willing to trade proven talent for what should be a top-five draft pick.

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Rumored draft target could 'pave way' for scoring G.O.A.T. to join Boston Celtics
Rumored draft target could 'pave way' for scoring G.O.A.T. to join Boston Celtics /

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    • Teague may be an unnecessary addition to the Celtics roster. With a guard-heavy roster that features Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart, the Celtics should turn their attention to the frontcourt. The Celtics have two good players in Kelly Olynyk and Jared Sullinger, but they have both been inconsistent with their play. Adding a veteran presence to the frontcourt would not only provide depth, but someone who can lead the young Celtics.

    Horford seems like a perfect fit, but his expiring contract may play the Celtics out of a deal. With Danny Ainge reluctant to trade young assets for a veteran on an expiring contract, the Hawks likely won’t settle on dealing for Horford.

    The Celtics do have some valuable assets, though. David Lee has a $15 million expiring contract that can be moved. Forwards Amir Johnson and Jonas Jerebko both have team options for the 2016-17 season that could be declined to clear up cap space for the 2016 offseason. Boston also has young assets in Terry Rozier, R.J. Hunter and Jordan Mickey.

    Related Story: NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Landing Spots For David Lee

    Aggressively pursuing a veteran presence is the right move by the Celtics. Sitting third in the Eastern Conference puts them in a great position heading into the back stretch of the season. But the team is lacking a leader and a veteran presence. They should target a two-way player in the frontcourt, and Horford would be a great fit if they could make it work.

    Next: Define A Direction