The Boston Celtics are in the middle of a bit of a skid, having lost three of their past four games, but they are still one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. As a result, they are widely expected to operate as buyers at the upcoming trade deadline.
A quick look at the C’s roster will show that they could use some help with their big-man rotation. Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have emerged as head coach Joe Mazzulla’s top two options at this spot, but more help will be needed if this team wants to go on a deep playoff run.
The good news for Boston is that trade targets continue to pop up at this spot. The latest name that has popped up on the rumor mill is Memphis Grizzlies All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr., with NBA insider Matt Moore revealing that the Celtics would “love” to swing a trade for him.
“Multiple league sources have asserted something whispered in the wind for a long time: The Boston Celtics would love to add Jaren Jackson Jr. There is no team I’ve heard with more interest for Jackson,” Moore recently reported.
There’s a lot of turmoil in Memphis currently, which could lead the front office to blow things up at the deadline. Jackson is one of the top two-way big men in the league, and he’s enjoying another strong season individually (18.5 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 47.9 FG%), even as the Grizzlies continue to struggle as a team.
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Not only does Jackson fit the Celtics’ style of play, but he also is on a similar timeline as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. If Memphis were to move him, its asking price would be high, but Boston has the assets needed to make a big splash at the deadline if it feels inclined to do so.
Featured image via Petre Thomas/Imagn Images
