This season is one that is not like any other we’ve had in the past. It will also probably be unlike any season we have in the future. Teams are losing players for days or weeks on end because of the new COVID-19 protocols. Specifically, the Celtics lost Jayson Tatum for a few games. The Celtics star recently said that he is still dealing with some side effects from his time with COVID-19. Overall, the Celtics have been underperforming lately and it is clear that the team needs to make a move. However, when it comes to the trade market, Danny Ainge is playing flat-footed.
Jayson Tatum says COVID has messed with his breathing a bit and there have been some games where he has gotten fatigued quicker running up and down the floor.
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) February 16, 2021
It’s been eight years since the Celtics fleeced three unprotected first-round picks from Brooklyn. Those picks later became Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Danny has not made many moves since then. The moves he has made have not done much to improve the team. The signings of Jeff Teague and Tristan Thompson are not providing the boost Ainge thought they would. With players coming available close to the deadline it is time for Danny Ainge to act on this. The Celtics not only have the largest traded player exception in league history but they have two other ones to work with as well. These ones don’t hold much value in comparison to the big one but they can still bring in some useful help.
Recent Rumblings Shake Up Celtics Twitter
We recently have seen some players become available that many believe could fit the Celtics’ needs. Yesterday there were numerous reports that Cleveland would be sitting Center Andre Drummond while the team works on a trade. Detroit and their former All-NBA Forward Blake Griffin have followed the same path. Boston is interested in Drummond according to Legion Hoops. Drummond makes $28 million this season and is a free agent at the end of the year. Although it would be a good pick-up for his rebounding and scoring, the defense is where he would be needed the most. The Celtics are hard-capped so they have to send out salary to use the whole TPE. Using the TPE on a rental is a big risk.
Reporting with @WindhorstESPN: The Cleveland Cavaliers are no longer planning to play center Andre Drummond as they work to trade the two-time All-Star prior to the NBA’s March 25th deadline, sources told ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 15, 2021
Blake makes a lot of money for someone that is a shell of his former self. He has added a three-point shot to his game but his athleticism is not what it used to be. He can space the floor but his defense is lacking. Blake’s contract is up at the end of next season. A trade for him would have to include more salary matching because he doesn’t fit into the TPE.
It’s Time
Danny Needs to stop playing the trade market so flat-footed. This season is a lot different than what we’re used to and if the recent transactions show any indication of what the future will hold, then it’s time to overpay. One time won’t kill ya, Danny. We don’t need another home run, we have players on second and third; we just need a single!
If you want to keep up with my sometimes wild takes then follow me on Twitter. If you have an idea of who you want the Celtics to go for with the TPE then check out this article I wrote on my targets for Danny. In the meantime, I’ll be waiting for the Celtics to make me question my sanity every night.
