Boston Celtics: 3 big-name trade targets before 2018 deadline

Kenneth Faried, PF, Denver Nuggets

The Celtics went into the offseason with a rebounding problem (29th in total rebounding percentage in 2016-17). Unfortunately, they didn’t find any sort of solution — unless you consider Aron Baynes a solution. Since any reasonable person wouldn’t, it appears Boston will need to find a fix via trade.

So why not take a look at Kenneth Faried? Sure, he’s not the most exciting option out there. Some might even call him an underwhelming option, at least on the offensive end. Realistically, though, the Celtics don’t need a scorer — that’s what Isaiah Thomas, Hayward and Al Horford are for. What they need is a power forward who can dominate the boards. That’s Faried.

The best part is that he wouldn’t cost them an arm and a leg to acquire. The Denver Nuggets have been trying to unload him for some time. That need was only exacerbated when they added Paul Millsap, Trey Lyles and Tyler Lydon this offseason.

Here’s my guess at what this deal would look like:

The Celtics send Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart, who they’ve both been trying to trade since last season, to the Nuggets. In return, Boston gets its glass cleaner in Faried and an intriguing project guard in Malik Beasley. Losing Crowder and Smart hurts, but improving in the rebounding department is the focus here.

In pulling off this trade, the Celtics address arguably their biggest weakness without giving up too many valuable pieces. Plus, Beasley showed some upside during Summer League but needs to improve his efficiency. Not a game-changing deal for Boston, but it serves a significant purpose.