December 15 marked the unofficial start of trade season, with trade restrictions on many players around the league finally lifting.
While a flurry of activity isn’t usually seen until the trade deadline, there is potential for some blockbuster NBA trades. Especially since some former All-Stars are reportedly keen on moves elsewhere.
The Ben Simmons saga continues to rumble on, while the news that the Indiana Pacers are open to trading Domantas Sabonis has also raised interest around the league.
But there are also many more former NBA All-Stars that, for various reasons, could end up changing teams before the deadline passes.
And with many teams on the lookout for NBA trades to bring them closer to their respective goals, it’s entirely possible that we could be in for an exciting trade season ahead. Which All-Stars could get moved?
NBA trades for All-Stars that would shake up the league: Domantas Sabonis for Marcus Smart, Robert Williams trade
Celtics receive: Domantas Sabonis, Oshae Brissett
Pacers receive: Marcus Smart, Robert Williams, 2022 First-Round Pick, 2024 First-Round Pick
The Boston Celtics have underwhelmed once again this season.
The team is currently tenth in the Eastern Conference with a 14-15 record and has won only one of the previous five games. Despite having two elite wings on the roster in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the team just hasn’t to click.
On offense, there have been significant issues. The Celtics rank 21st in the NBA for offensive rating, scoring 107.9 points per 100 possessions despite having two guys that both averaged more than 24 points per game last season.
That’s why Shams Charania’s report that the Pacers are looking to embark on a rebuild, and a report from Matt Moore of the Action Network that Sabonis “wants out” of Indiana, should pique Boston’s interest.
This season, Sabonis has averaged 18.3 points per game on a very efficient 59 percent shooting from the field and is also racking up 4.2 assists per game. Both of these numbers are down from 20.3 points and 6.7 assists last season, due somewhat to his changed role under Rick Carlisle, which has seen him spend more time out on the perimeter.
But Sabonis and Boston are an intriguing fit. He could be a great third guy behind Brown and Tatum and would give the team a much bigger inside-scoring presence, as well as someone that can create from the elbows thanks to his passing ability and vision.
Sabonis’ ability inside would add a new dynamic to Boston’s offense. With two excellent three-point shooters and shot creators in Tatum and Brown alongside him that can space the floor, opposition defenses would have plenty to be worried about.
But whether Boston has enough to offer the Pacers is another matter. With Tatum and Brown off the table, the Celtics would likely have to build a deal around Marcus Smart as the main contract along with picks and young players.
Robert Williams is a young big with plenty of potential as a rim protector, while the Pacers would also get a couple of picks to start building a team around Carlisle’s vision. Alternatively, the Celtics could offer one of their young wings like Romeo Langford or Aaron Nesmith.
The Pacers might well get better offers, but Sabonis to Boston is the type of deal that could turn Boston into a much better contender. Would it be enough for them to win the title? Probably not. But the Celts would have three young All-Stars that could develop together over the coming years.