The NBA Trade Deadline isn’t until Feb. 5, so teams still have plenty of time to prepare and evaluate their rosters before then.
That includes the Boston Celtics, who have emerged as surprise contenders in the Eastern Conference this year in Jayson Tatum’s absence. As of Wednesday, they’re fifth in the East at 15-11 and own the sixth-best net rating in the NBA.
While a lot could change between now and early February, the Celtics appear poised to contend for a playoff spot this season, especially with Tatum expected back at some point. Accordingly, they may be buyers at the deadline rather than sellers, which would be a surprising twist.
On Wednesday, Boston GM Brad Stevens shared his thoughts on the trade deadline and his potential approach to it.
“We will not put a ceiling on this group. If it makes sense for us to look for things that can help us, we certainly will, but it all has to be within good deals,” Stevens told reporters.
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It’s encouraging to hear that the Celtics are open to being aggressive and making upgrades if the situation calls for it. After shedding a lot of talent over the offseason, they may be willing to add some at the deadline if it makes sense to do so.
Stevens acknowledged that Boston is still a work in progress, just like every other team in the NBA. The young Celtics have shown flashes of potential with their surprising start, so they could be even better with another established veteran or two in the mix, especially a big man.
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Boston could desperately use some size in the frontcourt, so perhaps Stevens will attempt to address that before the deadline.
Featured image via David Butler II/Imagn Images
