Celtics Reportedly Considering Trade For Local Big Man To Improve Center Depth

Should the Celtics make a move?

Allison Farrand-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA Trade Deadline is right around the corner and things certainly will be interesting. 

The Dallas Mavericks already have set off fireworks ahead of the trade deadline by acquiring eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving, but there likely will be plenty more moves before the deadline passes on Feb. 9. There have plenty of rumors swirling around the Boston Celtics ahead of the deadline and one player the team reportedly is connected to is Malden native and Detroit Pistons big man Nerlens Noel, according to The Athletic's James L. Edwards III. 

"Per league sources, the Heat, Nuggets, Mavericks, Kings, 76ers, and Celtics have recently called the Pistons and inquired about Noel," Edwards said.

This isn't the first time the 2013 sixth overall draft pick has been connected to the Celtics. Being from around the area certainly has helped build speculation over the years. In regard to the 2022-23 campaign, Noel does make sense for Boston. The big man likely wouldn't cost much and could fill a much-needed backup center role for the Celtics. 

Boston reportedly has been considering backup big man options -- like Kelly Olynyk and Jakob Poeltl -- but Noel certainly would be the cheapest option of the trio. Noel isn't as good as Robert Williams by any stretch of the imagination, but he does play a similar defense-first game. 

The NBA Trade Deadline is set to pass on Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. ET so keep an eye out because if a move were to happen, it would be sooner rather than later.  

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