Boston Celtics: Trade Targets Who’d Help Attract Kevin Durant

According to a recent report, the Boston Celtics need to make a serious splash this offseason in order to sign Kevin Durant. Here are five trade targets who could help make that happen.

The Boston Celtics are in a position to make multiple power moves during the summer of 2016. The top target is the top free agent, Kevin Durant, who has effectively sold himself to NBA general managers by winning an MVP award, four scoring titles, and making an NBA Finals appearance—all before his 28th birthday.

In order to land Durant, however, Chris Mannix of The Vertical reports that the Celtics need to make a significant move to show him they’re serious.

"The Celtics believe Durant will meet with them this summer, but they know that meeting won’t accomplish much unless there are significant moves leading into it…Boston needs a deal for Jimmy Butler, a commitment from Al Horford, a carrot to dangle in front of Durant to persuade him that relocating east is the smart play."

The question is, how can the Celtics make that happen?

Jimmy Butler and Al Horford are two available targets who, on their own, would help make the Celtics a genuine contender. Pairing Butler and Horford with All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas and the rest of Brad Stevens’ ridiculous depth chart would be a remarkable haul.

Butler and Horford aren’t necessarily the only options for the Celtics to consider, promising as they may be.

The question, of course, is how could Boston convince potential trade partners to give up one of their franchise players? That’s not an easy thing to do, but Danny Ainge has accumulated a remarkable crop of assets.

One of these five stars could be the perfect target.

Next: Coach Stevens' New Hayward?