Boston Celtics: 10 Potential Star Trade Targets

9. Nikola Vucevic

We’re already heard rumblings that the Celtics might be interested in dealing for Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic, and on some levels, a trade for the talented big man would make sense.

Even better, in a potential deal with a franchise that should be rebuilding, the 2018 first round pick Boston is owed from the Brooklyn Nets might be enough to barter a trade. That makes Vucevic a more attractive trade target, since they could improve without having to give up anyone in their core.

Tyler Zeller would be enough to match salaries, and though he wouldn’t provide much on the court, a very valuable first-rounder — even if it’s not until 2018 — would aid the Magic for the long-term and be more than enough value for Vucevic.

Boston ranks 28th in rebounds per game and 26th in rebounding percentage, and Vucevic’s 9.7 rebounds per game could certainly help in that regard. He’s also a skilled scorer with decent touch from the midrange who could play alongside Al Horford on the offensive end.

However, Vucci Mane’s flaws as an interior defender wouldn’t address Boston’s need for more defense, contrary to what his 1.0 blocks per game might indicate. He doesn’t spread the floor to three-point range, and the Celtics’ fifth-ranked offense isn’t the problem anyway; their 20th-ranked defense is.

There’s also the Magic’s side to consider. General manager Rob Hennigan is fighting for his job, and as much as rebuilding with draft picks seems like the smarter option over another doomed, desperate attempt at making the playoffs, any trades Orlando makes at the deadline would be to strengthen the team in the here and now.