The Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to three Saturday night as they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves by a score of 118-109.
Gordon Hayward finished the game with 30 points, nine rebounds and eight assists off of the bench. After Saturday's win, the Boston Celtics are 13-10 on the season and in sixth place in the Eastern Conference:
Prior to the start of the season, the Celtics were projected as the favorite in the Eastern Conference. However, the season has been a bit trying for the Atlantic Division team.
Slow Start in Boston
Last season, the Celtics defied the odds and expectations of just about everybody as they made it to the Eastern Conference Finals without Hayward and Kyrie Irving.
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens' motion system and his unique character helped his team bond together. Jayson Tatum played well last season in his rookie campaign. The team also got contributions from Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown all season.
Unfortunately, Boston has struggled to find the chemistry this season, which is expected considering both of their star players were out last year. Stevens' offense requires constant motion and screens from each player. But this season the ball has continued to stick as players have struggled to find their ideal roles with so much talent in place.
Obviously, it's still early in the season, but the Celtics could potentially use a bit of a shakeup to help streamline the roster. With 59 games left on their schedule, there are a few players president Danny Ainge should consider trading.
Trade Suggestion 3: Marcus Smart
Trading Marcus Smart may come off as a surprise considering the team re-signed him to a four-year, $52 million deal over the summer. But considering the new CBA agreement, this contract wouldn't be detrimental for another team to take on.
The Celtics are currently shooting 35.9 percent from 3, which ranks 10th in the league. Last season, the team shot 37.7 percent from behind the arc and finished second in 3-point percentage.
In order for this team to get back on track, they have to space the floor and create easy 3-point opportunities. Right now, the point guard slot is a bit overcrowded for the Celtics. Boston currently has Irving, Rozier and Smart.
Clearly, Smart is a hybrid guard who rotates between multiple positions. Smart is averaging 6.7 points, 4.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds. However, he is shooting 39.8 percent from the field and just 33.3 percent on 3-pointers, which is actually an improvement upon his 29.6 percent career mark from outside.
With both Irving and Rozier on the roster, it forces Smart to play quite a bit of shooting guard, where he has been starting lately with Brown injured. The 6-foot-4 guard does not score enough to remain in that position and often affects the offensive rhythm on the floor.
Smart impacts the game with his hustle, defense and versatility. He is an important emotional presence on the roster. Still, Ainge should consider moving the four-year guard to another team and acquire some picks or another player.
Considering the market for guards, the Celtics would be able to receive some valuable assets for Smart. The guard isn't eligible to be traded until Jan. 15, so perhaps a deal could happen around the trade deadline.
Possible Trade Destinations:
Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans
Trade Suggestion 2: Jaylen Brown
Before you get upset, this decision may make sense once you think about it. Brown is one of the Celtics' most promising players, especially given what he showed last season. But with the return of Irving and Hayward, Brown has really struggled to settle in.
Last season, Brown came into his own and finished the season averaging 14.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 39.5 from 3-land. This season's story is a bit different as his numbers have dipped in all major categories.
Brown is currently averaging 11.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Not to mention he is shooting an awful 25.3 percent from deep. He is only 22 years old and is still figuring out the game, but it's clear that the lack of spacing and ball movement has affected his game.
The 6-foot-7 guard has missed the last three games due to a bruised tailbone. This season has been difficult for the younger players and especially Brown, considering the fact that he was a top-three scoring option after Hayward and Irving went down.
Irving can overdribble at times, which makes it hard for other players to establish a rhythm on the floor. It's obvious that the return of Boston's two All-Stars has made things difficult for the third-year guard.
Boston needs to consider a trade because it would help them acquire a player and a first-round pick, though Ainge may be hesitant to swing a deal involving Brown unless it is for a player of star caliber.
Possible Trade Destinations:
Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder
Trade Suggestion 1: Terry Rozier
Nope, Irving is not No. 1 on this list, though trading him wouldn't be the worst idea given his injury history and sometimes questionable tendencies.
Still, the Celtics need a franchise player in order to get over the hump in an NBA Finals matchup. If the Celtics did trade Irving, having Hayward or Jayson Tatum as the No. 1 option would not be enough. The final player that the Celtics should consider moving is Rozier.
Rozier outplayed his role and contract last year, especially in the 2018 postseason. There have been rumors throughout this season that he is not happy with his current role. This trade needs to happen because of the demand for point guards.
Due to the 6-foot-1 guards' style of play and production from last season, other teams should be willing to make a deal, even if he has struggled to start this season. Scary Terry is fearless and capable of making big shots. He does overdribble at times while trying to break down the defense, but he does take care of the ball well.
Last season, the guard averaged one turnover per game, and he is below that this season. Rozier can score, facilitate and play defense when he is locked in. This trade would help relieve the clutter in the backcourt and provide Smart with a clearer role.
Either way, the Celtics have options and pieces to trade. It's still early in the season, but Ainge will probably move someone before the deadline.
Possible Trade Destinations:
Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans
The Boston Celtics will suit up again Thursday to take on the New York Knicks at home at 8:00 PM ET.
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