ESPN Insider Suggests Two Trade Targets for Celtics

Perhaps the Celtics are better off standing pat between now and the trade deadline. But there are benefits beyond this season that could influence them to make a move.

Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

At 32-9, the Boston Celtics boast the best record in the NBA. They're also 20-0 at home entering Friday's heavyweight showdown at TD Garden against reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic and the defending champion Denver Nuggets.

As the franchise does its due diligence on how to give its team the best chance to raise Banner 18, its president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, recently conveyed he'd like to see "how we can find another big wing."

But the Celtics aren't about to shake up their top six, and it's unlikely Payton Pritchard or Sam Hauser's on the move, either. They don't have to utilize their $6.2 million Grant Williams traded player exception (TPE), but Stevens stated he has the "green light" from ownership to do so.

While they could send out salary to preserve that tool for the offseason, when considering who Boston might target, it's best to look at players who would fit into that TPE.

Two potential targets suggested by ESPN's Bobby Marks were Naji Marshall of the New Orleans Pelicans and John Konchar of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Regarding the former, the better of the two in this author's opinion, the soon-to-be 26-year-old is on an expiring $1.9 million contract. He's averaging 7.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, two assists, and nearly a steal per contest while knocking down 38 percent of his 2.4 three-point attempts.

But how would the six-foot-seven forward respond to a minutes reduction and the DNP-CDs (did not play, coaches decision) in the playoffs?

He's currently logging 18.7 minutes per contest. Oshae Brissett, who's making a compelling case to fill the Celtics' search for a big wing internally, a route Stevens said he believes could provide the best solution, is playing 11.8 minutes per game in eight fewer appearances.

Between the job Brissett's doing in this role, how guarded Boston is about taking from its team chemistry, and the option to sign Marshall in the offseason, it seems better not to shake up what they have.

Regarding Konchar, as covered previously, he'd provide shooting, and he's an effective facilitator who's comfortable doing so when run off the three-point line. And while he's on the books for $2.4 million for the 2023-24 campaign, starting next season, he'll make $6.2 million each of the next three years, meaning he could effectively provide a longer-lasting Grant Williams TPE.

That traded player exception doesn't expire until Jul. 12, though, meaning that while acquiring Konchar has benefits carrying beyond this campaign, it's not a move the Celtics have to make before the deadline passes on Feb. 8.

Further Reading

Despite the Loss, Victor Wembanyama Relishes 'Special' Boston Debut

Celtics Finding Joy in Basketball and Each Other's Company: 'We've Been Blessed'

Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'

Ime Udoka Assesses Tatum and Brown's Growth Since Coaching Them: 'A Lot of Potential That I Haven't Tapped Into'

Marcus Smart in Danger of Missing Return to Boston

Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'

Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So

Derrick White Opens Up About Journey from Uncertainty He Belonged in the NBA to an All-Star Caliber Guard

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'