Hoops Habit
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3 Under-the-radar trade deadline deals that could pay off in the long run

By Holden Walter-Warner

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 10: Mike Muscala #57 of the Boston Celtics runs up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden on February 10, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 10: Mike Muscala #57 of the Boston Celtics runs up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden on February 10, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /
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Mike Muscala (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Mike Muscala (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) /

F Mike Muscala to the Boston Celtics

Despite having the best record in the NBA at the deadline, the Boston Celtics didn’t make any big swings like they did last year, when they grabbed Derrick White. Trading for Mike Muscala could pay off come playoff time, though.

Muscala didn’t cost much, although he didn’t cost anything either. The Celtics shipped two second-round draft picks and Justin Jackson to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the floor-spacing big man.

For the Celtics, this was about adding somebody who can be a deep threat, particularly when they want to play Robert Williams. Al Horford is a fine three-point shooter, but Williams is not, and he doesn’t even try. He hasn’t attempted a single three-pointer this season.

Muscala showed off his arsenal in the days leading up to the trade. In the three games before being dealt, Muscala went 9-17 from three-point range. He even went 4-7 from deep and scored 16 points against the Los Angeles Lakers, briefly trending in the same game that saw LeBron James set the NBA career scoring record.

In his first two games with the Celtics, the 31-year-old knocked down at least 40 percent of his three-pointers, making six in the two Boston victories. Muscala is now shooting 40 percent from three for the year.

Boston doesn’t need Muscala to do all that much right now, besides help cover for the team as it copes with injuries and help to give Al Horford rest from time-to-time.

Come playoffs, however, Muscala is going to be a vicious weapon for the Celtics, one that will probably see his name trend again once or twice as he breaks the spirits of an opponent with a five- or six-make game.

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