Boston Celtics NBA Trade Deadline Early Predictions 2024: 5 likely moves amid strong start for East favorites
The Boston Celtics have been on top of the standings in the Eastern Conference for most of the season. Tuesday night’s 127-123 loss to the OKC Thunder on the road dropped their record to 26-7. Boston, though, is still two games ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks (24-9) as pacesetters in their conference.
The Celtics aren’t likely going to significantly change the lineup. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis are perhaps the best starting five in the NBA already. Boston could boost the supporting cast to improve their chances of winning the championship.
Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla could make use of wings who can defend at an elite level and also provide outside shooting. He has Oshae Brissett and Lamar Stevens but Mazzulla hasn’t given them his trust on the offensive end.
5 players the Boston Celtics could target before February trade deadline
#5. Jae’Sean Tate
Jae’Sean Tate is 6-foot-4 but he has no problem guarding opponents much bigger than him. He sometimes plays power forward for the Houston Rockets. Tate is shooting 31.9% from deep, the worst among this bunch.
Tate, though, can help change the complex of the game with his hustle, defense and energy. In spurts, he could be the difference maker the Boston Celtics could use to bolster their lineup.
Grant Williams’ $6.2 million traded player exception (TPE) needs just a little more creativity to get the deal done. Tate is earning $6.5 million this season. Houston hasn’t exercised the team option on him so he could potentially be offloaded.
#4. Cedi Osman
Cedi Osman’s $6.7 million contract will not fit into Boston’s TPE. Still, the Boston Celtics could put together a package that could get the deal done.
Osman isn’t a top-level defender but he brings shooting. He is hitting 35.9% of his three-pointers in San Antonio but he could have more opportunities to improve when playing for Boston’s superior lineup. If Sam Hauser is having an off night, Joe Mazzulla could give him minutes.