The Boston Celtics could be an active team at the trade deadline this season, as names like DeMarcus Cousins, Ty Lawson, Lance Stephenson, Enes Kanter, Goran Dragic or Reggie Jackson could be targets and this comes as Danny Ainge may look at trading Gerald Wallace, Marcus Thornton, Brandon Bass or Evan Turner at the deadline.
The Celtics already made a major move with Rajon Rondo and Ainge could continue to try and stockpile draft picks and prospects. The Celtics have gotten much younger over the past couple years and Rondo was the last connection to the championship teams of the Paul Pierce era. The Celtics now could look at making a push into the summer and while a deal for Cousins is very unlikely, the team has tons of draft picks and could make a major move.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, Bulls.com reporter Sam Smith writes that the Celtics are interested in trading for Cousins and also could be targeting Enes Kanter. Cousins has had his issues with the Kings in the past, but he has developed into an All-Star player and they likely will ask for a huge package if they deal him. Kanter reportedly wants to be traded out of Utah and at 22 years old, it will also take a strong package to get the Jazz to deal him. ESPN.com reports that the Celtics could be an outside contender for Dragic.
The Celtics have the flexibility to at least consider some trades, as they have 11 first round picks stockpiled over the next three years of the draft. The team has those picks and likely wants to hang onto most of them, but if they can get an established All-Star at a young age, they could consider making a move. Cousins is having a fantastic season with 23 points and 12 rebounds per game and it's highly unlikely the Celtics look at dealing him after he just made the All-Star team.
Goran Dragic or Isaiah Thomas could be potential targets as well due to the draft picks, as the Suns may trade one of those players at the deadline. According to ESPN.com, Dragic has said that he will not be signing an extension with the team and that could lead to him getting traded. Reports have Dragic a target for the Lakers, Heat and Knicks. The Celtics are also reportedly interested in Ty Lawson according to NESN.com, while Lance Stephenson also could be a potential target.
Kanter's asking price is high, as the Jazz want a young player along with a first round pick. Lawson is getting shopped by the Nuggets along with Arron Afflalo and they are looking to make deals at the deadline. The Nuggets are also interested in Jackson, who could get traded from the Thunder if OKC feels they can't sign him back as a free agent.
The Celtics have been bad, but not terrible this season, as they are third in the Atlantic division with 20 wins and they are looking to continue rebuilding going forward. The team traded Rondo this season and they could consider making more moves at the deadline and this summer. The team is ranked 11th in scoring and they have been happy with the way young players like Avery Bradley, Jared Sullinger, Marcus Smart and Kelly Olynyk have developed for Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens.
