The Boston Celtics have just a little over a week to execute a trade before next Thursday’s deadline at 3 p.m. ET.
Boston doesn’t need to make many improvements to a talented roster that has delivered an NBA-best 37-11 record going into Thursday’s showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers. But with the Celtics being in prime position to capture Banner 18, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens certainly will look to make any upgrade he can, even if it’s just on the margins.
The Celtics don’t have a glaring area of need. Perhaps more center depth in case of injuries to Kristaps Porzingis and an aging Al Horford? Or maybe even another wing or guard that can give the Celtics a better jolt off the bench?
Boston certainly won’t be a part of any big-time trades at the deadline, but that’s not its goal after landing Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in the offseason. The Celtics could just look to make a minor move and use the $6.2 million trade exception from the Grant Williams deal to make it happen.
With all of that, here are four realistic trade options for the Celtics as the deadline quickly approaches.
The Celtics got an up-close view of Marshall when the Pelicans visited Boston earlier this week. The 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward notched four points, four rebounds and three assists against the Celtics.
The 26-year-old is in the final year of a four-year contract, which pays him $1.9 million this season, per Spotrac. He would fit into the Williams trade exception, which could entice the Celtics to pull the trigger on acquiring him.
On the floor, Marshall averages a modest 7.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. But given the brand of basketball Joe Mazzulla likes the Celtics to play, the biggest thing to look at is Marshall’s 3-point percentage. The Xavier product made good strides in that department this season, shooting 37.2% from beyond the arc, which is far better than the 30.3% he shot last season
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