Per new reporting from Heavy’s Sean Deveney, the Boston Celtics are “poking around” in pursuit of potential targets to use their traded player exceptions (TPEs) on to bolster roster weaknesses. Armed with a pair of larger TPEs left over from trading away veteran guard Dennis Schroder and forward Juancho Hernangomez, Boston can absorb salaries up to $100,000 over the size of each for $5.9 million and $6.9 million, respectively.
According to Deveney, the Celtics are “looking to fill holes in the frontcourt and on the wings,” two areas where reliable depth has so far proven somewhat thin for the team.
“It is clear that they’re asking about big guys but they’re asking about wings, too,” relayed an anonymous executive contacted by Heavy.
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“They’re taking the temperature on what might be out there, who might get released or bought out, who they might have to give up a pick, a first-rounder, a second-rounder, to get,” they added.
“It is early so no one is giving up on players now but when you get to late December and January, seems like they want to be in a good spot to make a call on what to do then.”
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One curveball this executive did not mention would be a bad start a few more weeks into the season coupled with the perception of a more urgent need on Boston’s end that could cause one or both sides of a potential deal to be more amenable to get it done.
With teams likely to start making adjustments to pursue the generational talent that is Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA draft, it is even possible that teams with solid records early in a different stage of their roster’s lifecycle might decide to help that process along with trades, too.
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As far as wing options go, Deveney proposes players such as Torrey Craig or Justice Winslow, both defensive specialists who have limited shooting ability, or perhaps Justin Holiday, who would likely be a better fit for Boston as a depth option given his respectable (36.7%) 3-point shot.
Both Craig and Winslow are on teams playing well to start the season as well, and though the former is not often used, we think it unlikely either would be worth ponying up assets for even if they do come available.
For our part, we’d focus on wings with at least some ability to space the floor like the Sacramento Kings’ Terrence Davis or Simone Fontecchio of the Utah Jazz.
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Bigs are also a major concern, with familiar targets like the OKC Thunder’s Mike Muscala, Utah’s Rudy Gay, or the Sacramento Kings’ Alex Len all offering different looks should they end up available as well.
Muscala, who can veto a trade, has size with shooting, Gay has some ability to play down to the 3 and up to the 5 from his usual play at the 4 with shooting as well, and Len has some size and rebounding.
Whatever route Boston takes it will cost them at $25 million over the luxury tax at this point in the NBA season but from the sounds of things Boston is ready to spend on this roster.
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— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 27, 2022
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