The Boston Celtics didn’t make any major moves at the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline, which confirms they are all in on Anthony Davis.
The Boston Celtics made just one small trade ahead of the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline, sending Jabari Bird and cash to the Atlanta Hawks for a top-55 protected pick, as reported by Yahoo! Sports‘ Chris Haynes. This trade was not a major move and it was for the best to get rid of a lingering distraction, plus it gets them below the luxury tax.
Bird has been facing domestic violence charges and that has caused him to sit out this season. Other than that small move though, the Celtics didn’t make any changes to their roster. They could be a team that closely watches the buyout market, as it’s been rumored they have interest in recently waived Enes Kanter.
The Celtics not making any moves proves they are all in on potentially trading for Anthony Davis this summer. The team got their first wish at the deadline, as the New Orleans Pelicans didn’t move their All-Star center on Thursday, leaving that possibility open for July.
John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports reported that the Celtics are expected to build a package around talented young players and picks:
Latest offer to Pelicans from Lakers is Ingram, Ball, Kuzma, Zubac, Hart and two first round draft picks. A Boston deal in offseason is expected to look like this - Tatum, Smart, Williams, Horford and up to 3 first round picks.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 7, 2019
If that is something the Celtics are willing to deal, then the Pelicans will have a hard time not accepting that offer. It certainly beats the Los Angeles Lakers’ offer because in this scenario, New Orleans is receiving young and talented assets that can help them win right away.
Marcus Smart is having a career year, proving that he can shoot the ball and be a good two-way player. Jayson Tatum doesn’t need much explanation, as he’s been a coveted asset by a lot of teams because of the skill-set and playoff performances he’s already shown.
Al Horford is mainly in there to match salaries and it would be an upgrade for Boston to slide Davis in instead. Regardless, Horford would be a player they’d miss because he has been a solid player both on and off the court.
Robert Williams hasn’t played much, but he has shown flashes of why he can be an elite rim protector, as well as an efficient player around the rim. Mix that in with three first round picks and this package the Celtics could send the Pelicans looks like a great haul for the team down south.
Potentially adding Davis would give Boston an incredible two-headed monster with Kyrie Irving (if he re-signs). The Celtics not making any moves this trade deadline might end up hurting the team this season. They are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, but the teams around them made plenty of big moves.
The Toronto Raptors traded for Marc Gasol, the Milwaukee Bucks acquired Nikola Mirotic and the Philadelphia 76ers traded for another star player in Tobias Harris, creating a Big 4 in the City of Brotherly Love.
The Celtics can hang with these teams, but there’s no question things just got a whole lot tougher for them. The playoffs are where it really matters, but the Celtics will need to find a way to overcome some of these obstacles. They’ll need everyone to pick it up, including Gordon Hayward, and for Jaylen Brown to stay consistent.
They have the tools to stay competitive, but it won’t be easy. Either way, not making any moves shows Boston is all in on trading for the Brow this offseason.