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Boston Celtics: Ranking Team’s Most Valuable Trade Assets

By Jon Shames

Feb 25, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8), guard Evan Turner (11), guard Isaiah Thomas (4), forward Jae Crowder (99) and guard Marcus Smart (36) celebrate against the New York Knicks during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8), guard Evan Turner (11), guard Isaiah Thomas (4), forward Jae Crowder (99) and guard Marcus Smart (36) celebrate against the New York Knicks during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) reacts to a score against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Celtics won 112-92. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) reacts to a score against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Celtics won 112-92. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2.) SF Jae Crowder

Jae Crowder is really turning heads this year, and is finally being recognized as one of the league’s best two-way players. Deservedly so, too.

Crowder is averaging 14.1 points per game while shooting career-high percentages pretty much across the board. His 1.8 steals per game is fourth among small forwards and 14th-best league-wide. Much like Smart, though, Crowder’s stats — while certainly impressive — don’t paint the full picture of the 25-year-old’s impact.

Crowder is a highly intelligent defender, and is fantastic as a trapper. He is often the second defender when the Cs double team, and his length (6-foot-9 wingspan) and his strength (235 pounds of pure muscle) allows him to recover quickly and effectively. Behind Isaiah Thomas, Crowder is the most important part of the Celtics’ success this year.

He embodies every quality that has made his team so unexpectedly great.

Crowder is also on an affordable deal, which makes him a perfect trade candidate, should the right offer surface. He was extended last summer for five years and $35 million, which will make his contract an absolute steal once the cap skyrockets, as it is projected to.

Boston has really gotten the most out of Crowder, who never played more than 18 minutes per game with the Dallas Mavericks.

Ideally, he stays in Boston. All things considered, though, Crowder is one of the Cs’ most attractive trade chips, and will likely be one of the first demands of any team considering sending a bonafide star to Boston.

Next: The Big Gamble

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