SUMMARY
- The Boston Celtics, currently leading the NBA with a 28-7 record, are expected to engage in a trade ahead of the 2024 deadline to strengthen their roster.
- Celtics president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, expressed satisfaction with the performances of the retained players but remained cryptic about their long-term future with the team.
The Boston Celtics, who are currently leading the NBA with an impressive 28-7 record are reportedly planning some moves ahead of the 2024 trade deadline. According to Brian Robb of MassLive.com, there’s a strong expectation among league multiple sources that the Celtics will engage in a trade to further strengthen their roster.
This news comes after the team decided to guarantee the contracts of Dalano Banton, Luke Kornet, Svi Mykhailiuk, and Lamar Stevens for the remainder of the season. This move may be to allow for more flexibility at the trade deadline.
The Celtics are strongly expected to make some kind of move ahead of the trade deadline, per @BrianTRobb
(Via https://t.co/IAMMi1UiNj) pic.twitter.com/wvjWyWepcF
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 8, 2024
Guaranteeing these players’ contracts allows the team to have more options when the trade deadline approaches. This approach fits with the team’s recent history of major roster changes, including the acquisitions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, and the trade of Marcus Smart.
“I’ve been really pleased with all those guys,” Stevens said, per Robb. “I don’t want to say what we do or don’t do. I don’t ever want to speak in absolutes but I’ve been really impressed with all those guys. They’ve all come in and done well for us.”
Celtics president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, expressed satisfaction with the performances of the retained players but remained cryptic about their long-term future with the team. His focus is on strengthening the back end of the roster, which could be crucial for maintaining the team’s dominance and increasing their championship chances.
Celtics consider Oshae Brissett as Grant Williams’ replacement for big wing role
The Boston Celtics seem to be considering Oshae Brissett as a potential replacement for Grant Williams in the 2023-24 season. As per Inside The Celtics’ Bobby Krivitsky, Brissett could be the prime internal candidate in Brad Stevens’ search for a big wing.
“A prime internal candidate to solve (Stevens’ big wing) search is Oshae Brissett,” Krivitsky said. “The six-foot-seven forward is getting and capitalizing on recent opportunities to prove he’s worthy of the role.”
Brissett’s recent performances have been noticeable. He has played at least 15 minutes in four of the Celtics’ last five games, all of which resulted in wins. During his time on the court, the Celtics have outscored their opponents in eight straight games.
O cachorrão Oshae Brissett pic.twitter.com/4enpYXJGvV
— Celtics Br (@CelticsBrr) January 6, 2024
Stevens, who has previously stressed the need for a “big wing” to improve the team’s rotation, sees potential solutions both within the team and in the market. Despite the limited financial tools available to the Celtics, the focus is on boosting the current roster and exploring trade and free agency options.
Brissett’s recent performances have positioned him as a strong contender for this role. The upcoming challenging schedule (five games in seven days) and tough travel, will provide further opportunities for Brissett and other reserve wings to prove themselves.