There’s a high probability that the Boston Celtics’ move will be rated low on the NBA Richter scale if it happens before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. After all, the Celtics’ offseason signings of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis has caused some serious trade tremors throughout the NBA.
However, there’s a good argument to be made for Stevens being a little more daring, even if thrifting with the $6.2 million Grant Williams NBA Store Gift Card is the quickest route to adding.
in particular because…
Stevens rarely wades into changing the starting lineup. This is the same man who dealt for Derrick White at his first trade deadline, shipped off Kemba Walker during his first days as general manager, and orchestrated the stunning trades that sent Robert Williams III and Marcus Smart packing this past summer.
When Stevens has operated on the periphery, as he did in February of last year when he obtained Mike Muscala for Justin Jackson and two second-round selections, it hasn’t had a significant impact on Boston. Although Muscala played just 21 minutes in six postseason appearances—mostly at the conclusion of decided games—he helped Boston get through the second part of the season.
This summer, when the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement eliminates some of Boston’s preferred avenues for bolstering a championship-caliber squad, more difficult roster-building challenges lie ahead. The midlevel exception will not be available to the Celtics, and the $6.2 million Williams traded player exception will go if it is not used by this coming Thursday. The new agreement even tightens restrictions on trades. This may be the final opportunity to bring in a proven player before Jaylen Brown’s lucrative contract extension takes effect immediately.
However, this is the main reason we believe Stevens needs to give possible splashes considerable thought in the last 24 hours before the deadline:
This kind of position is never guaranteed.
As of 60% of the 2023–24 NBA season, the Boston Celtics are the top team in the league. And with a huge margin. Although they don’t always play like it (Lakers fans, you’re welcome for last Thursday), there’s no denying this team’s ability and potential.
It’s necessary to throw caution to the wind sometimes, particularly when Banner 18 appears to be in front of you.
Given their salary commitment to the current squad, one could argue that the Celtics have already moved a sizable stack of chips to the center of the table. Thank you to Wyc Grousbeck for saving you from having to write the large tax checks the team will be staring at for the next five years—it makes writing this narrative simpler!
