The Boston Celtics were expected to be a lottery team without Jayson Tatum this season. Tatum tore his Achilles tendon during the second round of the playoffs against the Knicks last season. It is still unclear if he will return this season, but it looks like he will.
Without Tatum, who is their best player, the Celtics have still been able to thrive. Right now, they sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. They have the fourth-best offense in the NBA, even without Tatum. Jaylen Brown has stepped up to be a true number-one option.
With the team being so good this season, the Celtics are in a position where they can make a move at the trade deadline. The Athletic has them listed as a potential trade destination for Mavericks forward Anthony Davis.
GettyMavericks forward Anthony Davis shoots the ball. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics Listed as Possible Trade Team for Anthony Davis
Davis could be moved now that the Mavericks have decided to fire Nico Harrison. Harrison was the reason why Davis was brought in for Luka Doncic. The new regime in Dallas might want to move on from that mistake, as Davis hasn’t been very available.
In parts of two seasons in Dallas, Davis has played in just 21 games. That lack of availability is a large reason why the Mavericks could look to move him to another team. Boston is one of four teams listed by The Athletic as a destination, along with the Hawks, Pistons, and Raptors.
Davis would give the Celtics a proven big man who is a defensive menace. When he is on the floor, there are very few players who are more dominant than Davis. His ability to alter shots completely changes how an opposing team plays against him. He has the highest rebound percentage of his career.
GettyCeltics president Brad Stevens talks to the media. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Boston is Unlikely to Make a Massive Trade
The Celtics are unlikely to give up any real assets for someone like Davis. His injury history, along with how the Celtics are structured financially, doesn’t make sense for them to pursue him. The Celtics might actually try to get under the luxury tax heading into next year.
Adding Davis to the roster would have them go the other way, vaulting them back into the second apron. That is something they don’t want to do under new owner Bill Chisholm. Without Davis, the Celtics still have a good shot at competing for a title next year with Tatum being fully healthy.
Bringing Davis would be a very big risk for the Celtics, especially this season. While Tatum is likely going to return at some point this season, he is going to be very rusty. Payton Pritchard would also likely have to be part of the trade, meaning they would need a new starting point guard.
It would be surprising to see Davis play for the Celtics at any point this season. If Dallas decides to move him, they will likely trade him to another team that can give them the assets they desire.
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