With the NBA Trade Deadline looming, teams are looking to fortify their roster ahead of their second-half playoff push. One team looking to buff up is the Boston Celtics, who are reportedly in the market for another impact scorer to compliment the likes of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. According to The Athleticthe latest NBA trade rumors involve the Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves, who have kicked around the idea of a trade centered around Malik Beasley and Josh Richardson, and those talks are reportedly “gaining steam.”

Reports indicate that the Timberwolves previously shot down an offer for Beasley consisting of Richardson and one of Romeo Langford or Aaron Nesmith. The belief is that the Timberwolves aren't interested in a one-for-one swap between Beasley and Richardson, but it would take a more valuable asset than Langford or Nesmith for a deal to come to fruition.

With Jaylen Nowell making significant strides this season, Beasley has become less critical in Minnesota's rotations, and his struggles shooting the ball in 2021-22 have left him considered expendable. Beasley is making $16 million this season, so the T-Wolves would be wise to part ways with him if they can find a buyer.

The Celtics are also said to be keen on offloading Dennis Schroder, though it's unclear if the Timberwolves would consider taking him on in a deal for Richardson.

In the 2021-22 NBA season, Beasley has taken a step backward, averaging 12.3 points and 3.1 rebounds on 35.2% shooting from 3-point range. Just last year he averaged 19.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and shot at a healthy 39.9% from downtown.

Richardson, on the other hand, has featured in 43 games for the Celtics, playing 24.9 minutes per night. He's averaging 9.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and is shooting at a 40% clip from 3-point territory.