Boston Celtics list 5 Unpopular trades the Celtics should explore this summer

Boston Celtics list 5 Unpopular trades the Celtics should explore this summer

The Boston Celtics have the best record in the NBA and no team wants to face them in the playoffs. None of it matters because their season will be judged on playoff success. Boston made bold moves this summer to win a championship. Even a deep run won’t satisfy the Celtics. They have been to the conference finals five times in seven years. It is title or bust in Beantown.

The Celtics have the talent. No team has a superior top six and all but Jrue Holiday are hungry for their first championship. It will take a team effort, but head coach Joe Mazzulla will lean on his best players when the games matter most.

If they fail, there will be more changes in the offseason. Jaylen Brown’s new contract kicks in, which will put Boston over the second tax apron and restrict their roster movement. It won’t be easy, but the Celtics should take a hard look at these moves in the offseason.

5. Trade Payton Pritchard for a bench upgrade

4. Trade Jaylen Brown to dodge 2nd tax apron

The Celtics have over $200 million committed in salaries for next season as Jaylen Brown’s new five-year $286.3 million contract kicks in. The 27-year-old gets a $17.5 million pay increase, and the Celtics only have ten players under contract if both Jrue Holiday and Oshae Brissett accept their player options.

3. Sign-and-trade Jrue Holiday if he is unwilling to take a discount

Holiday has a $39.4 million player option for next season. He has been clear that he wants a long-term deal with Boston over heading to free agency this summer. Can the two sides agree on a contract?

2. Trade Kristaps Porzingis at top dollar

The Celtics traded Marcus Smart, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and Julian Phillips to get Kristaps Porzingis and two first-round picks. It was a shocking move by Boston, but they felt the need for a big man who could change how they play. The Unicorn has given them a post attack and has been outstanding in Beantown, but one gigantic issue remains.

1. Deal Derrick White at the peak of his value

White is under contract through the 2024-25 season but becomes extension-eligible this summer. Fans know he is an elite defender and a crucial part of Boston’s success from the moment he was acquired from San Antonio. White was second-team All-Defense last season and has been even better this year.