NBA Boston Celtics

5 Other Rebuilding Trades the Boston Celtics Could Make

5 Rebuilding Trades the Boston Celtics Could Make

Boston Celtics
Joe Murphy-Getty Images

The Boston Celtics have compiled a preposterous number of draft picks in attempts to expedite what was expected to be a lengthy rebuilding process. GM Danny Ainge did not hesitate to put an end to the “Big 3” era sending away Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to the Brooklyn Nets in 2013 and finally Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green this past month. With several dominoes yet to fall, Boston is far from finished in stockpiling a record amount of draft picks.

5. Avery Bradley

Boston Celtics
Brian Babineau-Getty Images

5. Avery Bradley

Boston Celtics
Brian Babineau-Getty Images

Celtics Receive: Dion Waiters, Kendrick Perkins, '15 first-round pick
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Avery Bradley, Brandon Bass

The Celtics aren’t exactly salivating at the idea of shipping out fifth-year swingman Bradley, but his near $8 million salary over the next four years is far from favorable. Oklahoma City is in the market for a major upgrade at the shooting guard spot as neither Andre Roberson nor Waiters is capable of starting.

4. Jameer Nelson

Boston Celtics
Brian Babineau-Getty Images

4. Jameer Nelson

Boston Celtics
Brian Babineau-Getty Images

Celtics Receive: Brendan Haywood
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Jameer Nelson

Single player trades are a rarity in the NBA. But this particular trade does make quite a bit of sense. Nelson is far from the long-term answer for the Celtics at point guard, while Haywood receives no playing time on a Cavaliers team lacking a big man. The center’s contract balloons to an non-guaranteed $10.5 million next season, so Boston could simply waive him.

3. Marcus Thornton

Boston Celtics
Brian Babineau-Getty Images

3. Marcus Thornton

Boston Celtics
Brian Babineau-Getty Images

Celtics Receive: Brandon Jennings, Jonas Jerebko, Luigi Datome
Detroit Pistons Receive: Gerald Wallace, Thornton

After waiving Josh Smith, Stan Van Gundy will likely turn to Jennings next to rejuvenate basketball in Detroit. Instead of waiving him, Van Gundy could possibly find a deal with Boston to unload the point guard. Considering Boston’s rebuild, if a Jennings experiment turns into a disaster, the consequences are far less detrimental.

2. Gerald Wallace

Boston Celtics
Rocky Widner-Getty Images

2. Gerald Wallace

Boston Celtics
Rocky Widner-Getty Images

Celtics Receive: Andrei Kirilenko
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Gerald Wallace, '15 and '17 second-round picks

The Kirilenko situation in Philadelphia has quickly turned sour, as the veteran has failed to report to the team since he was traded. According to league rule, Philadelphia must acquire a substantial amount of salary in order to meet the minimum. Wallace's $10 million would allow them to do that.

1. Brandon Bass

Boston Celtics
Brian Babineau-Getty Images

1. Brandon Bass

Boston Celtics
Brian Babineau-Getty Images

Celtics Receive: David Lee, '15 first-round pick
Golden State Warriors Receive: Bass, Jameer Nelson, Phil Pressey

It’s no secret Boston has been searching for a big man after Garnett’s departure. Lee is not exactly the solution to Boston’s glaring defensive woes, but he is capable of filling in in the meantime. Absorbing his massive salary is obviously the downside to this deal, however doing so would grant the Celtics his Bird rights.

Share Tweet