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Boston Celtics Still A Player Away From Next Level

By Simon Smith

Nov 23, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) celebrates with Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) celebrates with Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons won 102-91.Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons won 102-91.Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Prime Targets

There have been a number of prominent players mentioned as potentially being available. The two most common names that suit the Celtics for a number of reasons are DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings and Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls.

Cousins is just 26 and Butler 27. Cousins is fifth in the league in scoring and Butler is 10th.

Therefore, the Celtics need to determine how much they are prepared to give up. A combination of first round picks and rotation players is likely the minimum requirement to land any player of significance.

Not just Cousins or Butler. And then the competing team need to be interested in what the Celtics have to offer.

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As it stands, the Kings and Cousins himself have given every indication that he will remain with the Kings in the long-term. Of course, internal discussions can differ from their public sentiments. As for Butler, Chicago must determine if he is the player they wish to build around.

In the midst of a career year despite the Bulls’ struggles, it’d be a brave move to part with their marquee player.

Cousins is under contract until the end of 2017-18 while Butler is signed till the end of 2019-20 with a player option for the final year. President of basketball operations Danny Ainge has been hoarding assets over the several , waiting patiently for the right time to strike.

It’s clear from the past couple of seasons that the Celtics are a legitimate playoff team. But as we have already seen this season, matching it with the absolute has proven a much tougher task.

If Ainge feels he can bring in another star without draining the team of too much talent, he would be crazy not to roll the dice.

Next: NBA's 50 Greatest Duos Of All-Time

With the Celtics seemingly on the fringe of being able too seriously compete, “Dealer Danny” could very well be be bound to swing another game-changing deal for the Celtics faithful.

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