CLEVELAND — The Celtics are riding high entering the trade deadline, putting together their fourth straight win on Tuesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite that momentum, Boston could still some tinkering heading into the trade deadline when it comes to the bottom of their depth chart.
Some of Boston’s bench bigs like Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta have been a pleasant surprise all year. However, given the durability of Kristaps Porzingis and age of Al Horford, it would make sense that the Celtics are looking into some additional insurance policies behind that duo. Who are some potential fits on that front heading into Thursday’s deadline. Let’s explore a few realistic possibilities:
Walker Kessler, C, Jazz: Probably the most intriguing cheap big available on the trade market. He’s still on his rookie deal through next season and has been a steal of a late first-round pick for the rebuilding Jazz. Danny Ainge knows all this though and thus has no incentive to move him barring getting bowled over by a deal. The Celtics could use a long-term center for the future given the cap crunch and potential retirement of Al Horford in the next couple years but a player like Kessler is not a huge need for this team in the present. Luke Kornet does a lot of things well that Kessler can so it’s not worth digging deep into Boston’s first-round stash to land him.
Likely cost: Multiple protected first-round picks
Daniel Theis, C, Pelicans: The Pelicans season is essentially done at this point following Dejounte Murray’s season-ending Achilles injury. The Pelicans are in the luxury tax as of now so they are going to be looking to dump salary. Theis would effectively be a salary dump for them so the Celtics could probably nab him for a protected second-round pick. He’s probably one of the lower options on this list though since his 3-point shot isn’t reliable and he’s not necessarily an upgrade over Kornet or Queta at this point.
Likely cost: A bad second-round pick
Touimani Camara, PF, Blazers: A young forward who was throw-in to the Jusuf Nurkic deal this offseason has turned into a boon for the Blazers. Camara has developed into a great 3-and-D player at the forward spot, earning some starter minutes in the past month amid injuries. His cheap contract (under control through 2026-27 makes him an ideal fit for a Celtics roster that will need low cost role players for the foreseeable future. However, the Blazers have no real incentive to move him at this point without being bowled over. Even throwing a couple late first-round picks their way may not move the needle since Camara fits their rebuilding timeline.
Likely cost: At least one first-round pick
Guerschon Yabusele, PF, 76ers: The French big man put together an impressive final audition for the Celtics on Sunday night, dazzling for three quarters before Boston rallied for the win. Yabusele has looked like a different player in his second NBA stint, finding a consistent 3-point stroke while holding his own much better on the defensive end. He has been one of the Sixers’ most consistent players this year and probably is only available at this point since the team may not have the cap space to retain him. With that said, if the Sixers are intent on trying to complete a second-half turnaround, Yabusele probably stays put. If not, the Celtics would likely would have to entice Daryl Morey with multiple second-round picks at the least. Would they give up a first-round pick for a rental? His 3-point shooting and providing valuable insurance behind Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis makes it a move worth considering.
Likely cost: Multiple second-round picks
Day’ron Sharpe, C, Nets: The Celtics have dealt with a bit of a rebounding lull in the past two months and Sharpe could be some extra protection against those issues. He’s one of the best rebounders in the league this season on the Nets, however he only really makes sense for the Celtics if they think he’s an upgrade over Neemias Queta. Given the strides Queta has made this season, that’s far from a sure thing. A lack of reliable jumper from Sharpe makes him a one dimensional player.
Likely cost: Second-round pick(s)
- BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
