The NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. ET, and there has been plenty of buzz from around the league regarding buyers and sellers. With the Celtics exceeding the expectations many had for them in the first half of the season without Tatum, they could be one of the Eastern Conference contenders most well-positioned to make a move.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania shed insight into how the Celtics are approaching the NBA trade deadline.
Related: Boston Celtics Plotting Big Move at NBA Trade Deadline
“They’ve been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially. They’re going to be aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets. They’ve got contracts to play with.”
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania on the Boston Celtics approach to the NBA trade deadline
There are two obvious targets Boston would likely love to acquire. The first is Zubac, who would fill the team’s desire to add a high-end big man. However, following a 6-21 start to the season, Los Angeles is now 21-24 and it has long been made clear that Zubac will not be moving.
It is a similar story with Jackson. Amid all the NBA trade rumors surrounding Morant, many wondered if Memphis might wind up moving both of its star players. However, the Morant injury has greatly lessened the likelihood of a trade and Memphis is not eager to move Jackson.
That leaves the likes of Gafford and Williams. Either would at least help a club that ranks 18th in defensive rebounding percentage (73.8%). With Dallas unlikely to trade Davis, Boston will be competing with multiple Eastern Conference teams for Gafford at the NBA trade deadline.
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