The Boston Celtics enjoyed a resurgent 2022 season. Following talk of a rebuild in December, the Celtics completely turned things around and went on to win the Eastern Conference. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum proved that they are one of the best star-studded duos in the NBA. Marcus Smart is an excellent third option. Al Horford made waves as a reliable veteran big man.
But is this a team primed for another Finals run in the 2022-2023 season? Maybe, but a few moves certainly would not hurt.
Without further ado, here are 2 players the Celtics must trade this offseason.
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2 players Celtics must trade in 2022 NBA offseason
Derrick White posted a quality postseason for the most part. Sure, there were some inconsistencies. But the truth is that his trade value likely won't ever be higher than it is now.
White, who is under contract through the 2025 season, averaged 11 points per game during the regular season. He added 3.5 assists per game and shot around 31 percent from beyond the arc. He only averaged 8.5 points per game during the postseason on 31 percent three-point shooting but had a number of big games which may have caught other teams' attention.
White is someone whom Boston could trade on his own, or they could deal him away with a couple of picks or other players. But he isn't a necessity for a playoff run and could help the Celtics nab younger talent with higher ceilings.
But trading or not trading White won't make or break Boston's 2022-2023 season. However, their decision on the following player could be a driving force in what happens next year.
Marcus Smart
Trade the reigning Defensive Player of the Year? Is that truly the best decision for the Celtics?
Marcus Smart is 28 years old with a rising contract that keeps him under team control through 2025-2026. He is a decent offensive presence for the Celtics. But his bread and butter is on the defensive end. Having a player who can consistently lock up opposing guards is important.
But Smart could be crucial in acquiring a more talented star to form a true “Big 3” around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics were unable to keep up on offense with Golden State in the NBA Finals. And their elite defense had issues containing the Warriors' high-powered scoring attack. Sure, they limited Stephen Curry in Game 5. But Andrew Wiggins stepped up.
Boston needs to trade Smart along with picks and someone like Derrick White to acquire a third star with a high offensive ceiling. It would need to be a guard or big man given that the Celtics' core is built around their wings in Tatum and Brown.
Players Boston could acquire
Damian Lillard would be ideal but the price could prove to be too much. But Lillard is a good example of someone who could fit in well with this Celtics team.
Boston could also attempt to acquire an offensive-minded big man. Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns features impressive scoring ability and isn't a liability on defense either. Although he may hit free agency, there are rumors that the Suns would prefer to sign and trade him.
In the end, Marcus Smart is the Celtics' best option as potential trade bait should the team decide to pursue a star.
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