One crazy trade every NBA team should make

29. Boston Celtics

The Celtics are one player away from being a true contender. They’ve been linked to all sorts of stars of varying to degrees from kinda to mega. Jimmy Butler was floated for a bit. Kevin Love has always been an unexpected act of chemical combustion away. Russell Westbrook seemed like a possibility until he started doing what he wants all the time.

But these aren’t in the works any more. Jimmy Butler has jumped into the MVP discussion, and Chicago doesn’t trade away MVPs. Kevin Love is now a defensive stopper and NBA champion. Russell Westbrook’s monument in Oklahoma City is halfway through zoning permits. These guys aren’t going anywhere.

Yet Boston’s aim remains high. We’ve seen this happen before. After acquiring a Ray Allen and seeming a step short, they went out and got a Kevin Garnett. Unfortunately, Kevin McHale is in no position to give Ainge a buddyfriend discount on an all-time great. Maybe Larry Bird will.

The Pacers aren’t really improved this year despite getting rid of a good coach and asking Monta Ellis and Jeff Teague to make up for the defensive loss of George Hill. Myles Turner is looking great at times, but the only other player that really moves the needle is The team that challenged LeBron and the Heat isn’t walking through that door. The next team that can put up that fight is probably on the other side of Paul George’s prime. He’s only a few years away from being one of the top five players in the league, but only a few years the other direction from having more salary than his value ahould dictate.

The Celtics right now need the Paul George of right now more than the Pacers do.

Jae Crowder and whatever else the Pacers want to the Pacers for Paul George