The Boston Celtics entered the season with low expectations, and are somehow still managing to disappoint. After losing Jayson Tatum to an Achilles tear, the Celtics traded away solid players and let others walk in free agency in an effort to shed payroll.
Once Tatum returns, the Celtics are expected to resume competing for the title. However, for now, Boston is 1-3 on the season and ranks well below average in both rebounding and field goal percentage.
Even after Tatum returns, these are issues the Celtics will need to solve. Luckily, the Eastern Conference is full of rebuilding teams, so Boston should be able to add win-now talent.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 13: Nic Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets warms up before playing the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on November 13, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Mock Trade Boosts Boston Celtics’ Frontcourt
The Brooklyn Nets would be right to be wary about trading with the Celtics. In 2013, they mortgaged their future for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, while Boston walked away with Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
However, the Nets are in the middle of a rebuild, not really focused on making a splashy move…yet. Brooklyn boasts young talent in the backcourt, scorers like Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas, and plays in a big enough market to attract free agents.
In an effort to improve their rebounding and interior scoring, the Celtics could make a deal for Nic Claxton. Balancing salary is the easy part, although tantalizing Brooklyn with draft capital might be a bit harder.
Full Mock Trade Details
- Boston Celtics receive: Nic Claxton
- Brooklyn Nets receive: Anfernee Simons, 2031 first-round draft pick (protected top-10)
Claxton has averaged 11.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks over the last three seasons. He isn’t quite the floor-spacer Al Horford was for Boston, but he can anchor the paint and do a lot with limited scoring opportunities.
By trading Anfernee Simons, Boston is all but giving up on this season. However, they can hit the ground running next year with a lineup of Claxton, Tatum, Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard.
Brooklyn Nets Win This Mock Trade
Even though this deal catapults the Celtics back into contention in 2027, the Nets suddenly become a team on the rise. After this deal, they would have an added $27.6 million in expiring salary, allowing them to target big-name free agents.
Of course, the Nets could use the salary space to trade for a superstar. With ample young point guards to spare, the Nets can build an excellent trade package. On top of that, after this deal, they would boast 13 first-round picks to trade or swap.
Could they add a youngster like Jonathan Kuminga? Or make a win-now splash for Giannis Antetokounmpo? The Nets have shown in the past that they aren’t scared of rushing a rebuild.
The Celtics can build a winner now, and the Nets get ample options to shape their future.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Boston Celtics Mock Trade Lands Young Al Horford Replacement appeared first on Heavy Sports.