The Boston Celtics had a very disappointing season after going to the Conference Finals the season prior. General manager Danny Ainge has been very conservative trade wise the last few seasons; perhaps costing the franchise in the process.
The voyage started to derail after star Jaylen Brown suffered a season ending injury in May. Alas, despite some silver linings in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Boston fell short. In turn, the Celtics need to focus on surrounding star Jayson Tatum and Brown with great talent.
Here are three trades the Celtics should look to make in the 2021 offseason.
3. Guard T.J. McConnell
Although this may not seem like a big trade, McConnell would make an immediate impact at a low cost. The Celtics are desperate to upgrade defense and they need to do it at the guard position.
McConnell is a hard nosed defender who is great at putting pressure on opposing guards. He had a game this season where he had 10 steals in a triple double. Nine of McConnell's steals came in the first half of the game. He would be a perfect guard off the bench for the Celtics.
McConnell is also a decent offensive player. He averaged 8.6 points per game to go along with 6.6 assists per game. McConnell can be the main ball handler off the bench for the Celtics, allowing other players to operate off the ball.
2. Forward Robert Covington
Another player who could elevate the defense of the Celtics is Robert Covington.
He is a great three point shooter and defender who could make an instant impact for the Celtics. While he only averaged 8.5 points per game, he did it on 37.9 percent shooting from deep. He also provides great defense and can contain a top forward on opposing teams.
Covington would work well alongside Tatum. Tatum is not a great defender, but with Covington behind him it would allow Tatum to continue to play well on offense. He would also provide the team with floor spacing since he can knock down open shots when the star players are double teamed.
1. Center Myles Turner
It has been rumored for years that the Celtics would pull off a trade for Myles Turner. Danny Ainge has yet to pull the trigger, but this would be the offseason to finally make that huge deal.
The center position has been a big hole on the Celtics team for the past few years. Turner would be the perfect player on this team, as he can shoot the three and block shots. He is one of the best shot blockers in the NBA, averaging 3.4 blocks per game this past season.
Danny Ainge needs to be aggressive this offseason, ignore his instinct to hoard assets, and pull of some trades for the Celtics.
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