Boston Celtics rumors: Celtics using James Young as a trade chip?

The Boston Celtics clearly wanted to make a big splash in the offseason and ave been plotting out different ways they can acquire Minnesota Timberwolves’ power forward Kevin Love. The Timberwolves, however, don’t seem all that interested in what the Celtics have to offer.

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That’s why the Celtics used their two biggest assets, the sixth and 17th-overall picks in the last month’s draft on former Oklahoma State Cowboys’ point guard Marcus Smart and former Kentucky Wildcats’ swingman James Young. Both players were set to make their debut in the Orlando Pro Summer League this week. Smart has struggled while Young has been out after being in a car accident.

However, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, the Celtics could also being holding Young out as a potential trade chip.

"According to two NBA sources, Ainge has been dogged in his pursuit of Love, and several agents believe he has the creativity to put together an attractive package.The Celtics are essentially out of salary cap space, but they do have a $10.2 million trade exception from the Paul Pierce deal they have to use by Saturday. They also have potentially talented rookie James Young to offer in a deal. While Young was ruled out of summer league with a neck injury, there was speculation the Celtics are keeping him on ice in case of a potential deal."

Young measured in at 6’6.75 and 213 lbs. with a wingspan of 7’0 at the NBA’s Scouting Combine. He averaged 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 40.7% from the field, 34.9% from three and 70.6% from the free throw line. He is ranked as the draft’s 24th-best prospect by Givony.

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