Now that December 15th has come and gone, much of the Boston Celtics and NBA media’s attention as turned to the unofficial start of the league’s trade season as that date is the first day many players around the Association can be dealt after signing new contracts over the 2023 offseason.
Even the Celtics, with the best record in the Eastern Conference at 21-6, has a slew of think pieces coming out as to what potential trade target Boston’s front office ought to be considering. And while the team may well have some depth concerns with their bench and frontcourt rotations in particular to think about, the Celtics can also get better by signing a free agent.
There aren’t all that many out there that could change the team’s fortunes, but Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley came up with one suggestion that makes sense if his health is where it needs to be — Javonte Green.
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“Boston’s top-heavy roster could seemingly use depth at any spot, but this rotation gets thinnest on the wings,” writes Buckley. “The Celtics could try addressing that void with a familiar face.”
“Javonte Green spent his first season-plus with the Shamrocks, forming a close bond with Jayson Tatum in the process. Green also endeared himself to the fanbase with insatiable energy and occasional aerial antics. He does his best work defensively, but his hustle and hops can give the open-court offense some extra zip.”
“He had knee surgery in January and couldn’t crack the Chicago Bulls’ rotation upon his return, so he might have to prove his health before securing his NBA return,” he adds.
Should the Boston Celtics ask after the trade availability of Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate? https://t.co/KQtjr6EWym pic.twitter.com/QOYfCnFtHa
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 21, 2023
“If his knee is good to go, though, he could still spark this squad like he has in the past,” suggests the B/R analyst.
A friend of star forward Jayson Tatum and a nightmare in transition, if Green’s health does check out, he is certainly someone Boston should consider bringing back as a potential depth option.
For now, the team has a full cohort of players, but some are not getting much run. If it is indicative of coach Joe Mazzulla not being pleased with what those players have done with their opportunity or a trade opens up a roster spot, Green ought to be in the mix.
Celtics trade rumors are starting to percolate; who might make sense for Boston? https://t.co/ejATX3lYLp pic.twitter.com/wux7m5RSzl
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 21, 2023
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