The Boston Celtics have shown “strong interest” in Washington Wizards sharpshooting big man Davis Bertans in efforts to fortify their bench, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated.
The Celtics have one of the most potent starting lineups in the league with three 20-point scorers in Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown — all capable of huge offensive outputs. Despite having four capable 3-point shooters in that trio plus Gordon Hayward, their bench ranks 28th among second units in 3-point shooting — making Bertans a surefire commodity they would love to add.
The Wizards have been hellbent in keeping Bertans, even mulling re-signing him this offseason for a much heftier price tag, but Boston has a war chest of draft picks that can sweeten the pot in search of much-needed 3-point shooting.
Boston has the ability to throw in more than one draft pick in a trade for Bertans, who is only making $7 million this season and exceeding what his contract demands.
Bertans is 10th in the league in 3-point shooting, making a beefy 42.9% of his shots from downtown. No player in the Celtics roster makes nearly as good a percentage in that many attempts.
Walker leads the way with a 38.8% clip while Tatum is still a solid 37.2% and Brown and Hayward are tied at 37.8% from deep — good but by no means elite 3-point shooters.
Bringing Bertans off the bench would give the Celtics a major boost in 3-point scoring, as well as the occasional shot-fake drive and cutting option for the well-versed Latvian power forward.
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