The Boston Celtics have already proven to be one of the best NBA teams his season. However, the 2024 NBA trade deadline is a few months out and it seems president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has his eye on a specific trade target.
Entering NBA games today, Boston leads the Eastern Conference and holds a 0.5-game advantage over the Minnesota Timberwolves for the best record in basketball. Not only are the Celtics the sixth-highest-scoring team in the league, but they also allow the third-fewest points per game (109.9).
Related: How Boston Celtics are showing they’re NBA title favorites
Boston has really benefitted from well-rounded production this season. Through nearly 30 games, five Celtics’ players are averaging double figures, with four averaging at least 16 points and 4 rebounds per game.
However, the team has been lacking depth in its frontcourt thus far and it needs more role players. The existing needs seem to be shaping Boston’s approach to the NBA trade deadline with a specific player on the radar.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Celtics are “among the teams that are monitoring Utah’s Kelly Olynyk” ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
While Boston would face significant competition for Olynyk, its familiarity with him and a strong relationship with Utah Jazz executive Danny Ainge could help the Celtics in trade talks.
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- Kelly Olynyk stats 2023: 7.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.5 APG, 54.9% FG
Olynyk, who turns 33 years old in April, has been very productive for the Utah Jazz this season. The 6-foot-11 big man is averaging career-highs in shooting (54.9 percent), including from the perimeter (41.8 percent) and he’s setting personal highs in assists.
Originally drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 13th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Olynyk spent the first four seasons of his NBA career in Boston (2013-’17). He could be an ideal addition to the Celtics’ rotation, making an NBA Finals contender even stronger in the playoffs.