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NBA: Teams That Can Realistically Trade for Superstars

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (L) and forward Nerlens Noel (R) work out prior to a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (L) and forward Nerlens Noel (R) work out prior to a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics

Of all teams on this list, the Boston Celtics are the most likely team to pull off a shocking trade for a superstar. They have high-caliber players at every position, an abundance of draft picks, and the proven wizardry of president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.

At 32-23, a record that has Boston in line for the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, most expect the Celtics to make a run at a genuine superstar to elevate the team from competitive to contending.

Boston is led by All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas and upstart head coach Brad Stevens. Neither is especially proven on the postseason front, which is why the Celtics are reportedly mulling trades for stars such as Dwight Howard, per Frank Isola of The New York Daily News, and Kevin Love, again, per Frank Isola of The New York Daily News.

Not only can the Celtics trade for a big name, but they’re actively attempting to do so.

The Celtics’ key assets include the rights to three first-round draft picks, including that of the 14-40 Brooklyn Nets. Tradable assets on the roster include right-now assets in Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, and Jared Sullinger, upside players in R.J. Hunter and Marcus Smart, and David Lee‘s expiring $15,493,680 contract.

If any team is going to trade for a superstar, it’s Ainge and the Celtics.

Next: More Than Enough Assets