Boston Celtics: 3 latest rumors on trade talks, draft plans
Boston looking to add All-Star to frontcourt
Having the No. 1 overall pick will be a great start in terms of making this Celtics team even better in 2017-18. However, the improvements shouldn’t stop there. Especially with a couple of significant pending free agents, Boston will need to make some moves when the market opens.
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In fact, according to CSNNE’s A. Sherrod Blakely, the Celtics are “focused on landing an All-Star caliber talent in the frontcourt.” Considering Amir Johnson and Jonas Jerebko are headed for free agency and Jae Crowder has been dangled as trade bait in the past, it makes a ton of sense.
One name that has been mentioned on numerous occasions is Gordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz. According to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics are “really focused” on stealing Hayward away from his current team. It’s an obvious connection considering Boston head coach Brad Stevens previously coached Hayward during their days together at Butler University.
Making that happen, though, won’t come easy. Hayward will obviously demand a max deal, and there’s a strong belief he’s already leaning towards re-upping with Utah. However, considering the Celtics’ current assets, a blockbuster trade isn’t out of the question.
Other players that have been connected to Boston are Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony and Jimmy Butler. While the odds of acquiring each vary, anything can happen — especially as teams get desperate to unload assets during or after the draft.
Next: Boldly predicting Celtics' 2018-19 starting lineup
The Celtics already won the East in 2016-17. Imagine the damage they could do in 2017-18 by adding a top prospect and All-Star such as Hayward to the mix.