2016 NBA Free Agency: 1 move every team needs to make to be contenders

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Mar 29, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics center Tyler Zeller (44) defends against Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) in the second half at TD Garden. The Clippers defeated the Celtics 119-106. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics

After Kevin Love played the best 30 seconds on defense of his career against Steph Curry in Game 7, Love has been carrying around a championship belt and the Boston Celtics have been the odd man out of some very public trade talks again. On draft night, their stockpile of assets couldn’t find the right trade and instead Danny Ainge drafted Jaylen Brown, Guerschon Yabusele, and Ante Zizic. The Celtics just don’t have the roster spots for any more rookies, and instead opted for the rights to a couple overseas prospects.

In order to contend, the Celtics need to find a way to consolidate their assets into a player that can compliment Isaiah Thomas. Kevin Love would have been a great fit, but he wasn’t the only power forward in the league with a controversial regular season. Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers are nearing the end of their championship window, and Griffin’s fractured hand in a public brawl with his equipment manager may be enough to send him East.

Trading for Blake Griffin (let’s say for the Jae Crowder, their 2017 Brooklyn pick, and Kelly Olynk?) would bring a player ready to compete in the playoffs with Thomas to Boston. Swapping Thomas for Chris Paul in the pick and roll with Griffin is an easy transition, and they’re both 27, just entering their prime. The duo could help the Celtics finally win a series and lead a roster filled with first and second-year players that would remain competitive for quite a while.

Next: Brooklyn Nets

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