Fansided

5 trades the Boston Celtics should explore

By Roje Smith

Dec 20, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center. The Trail Blazers defeated the Kings 126-121. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center. The Trail Blazers defeated the Kings 126-121. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 15, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks over and draws a foul from Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Pacers 102-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks over and draws a foul from Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Pacers 102-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Anthony Davis – New Orleans Pelicans

Anthony Davis is the first player on this list that isn’t stuck in a logjam. Unfortunately for him, he’s stuck in a “his team is bad” jam. Despite Davis’ MVP-level numbers that include averaging 29.3 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game, his team’s current record is 13-21. The New Orleans Pelicans deserve some credit for winning their last three games. However, the win streak is more of an anomaly rather than the norm. Their current roster is simply not built for the postseason.

The Pelicans can choose to keep Davis and attempt to build around him, but that may prove to be too difficult. Even though Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans are pretty good players, they’re not upper-tier talents that can help Davis advance past the first round of the playoffs. They’re also not highly-coveted players to where a trade can be made to pair Anthony with another star or future star.

As a matter of fact, the only valuable trade piece that the Pelicans have is Davis. Therefore, it may be a smart move for them to trade “The Brow” and get a slew of value in return. The Celtics are one of the teams in the league that can provide that value.

One valid trade for Davis involves the Celtics sending Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Gerald Green, Kelly Olynyk and a first round pick or two to New Orleans. In return, Boston will receive Davis, Terrence Jones and rookie Buddy Hield. The Celtics can probably avoid sending Bradley or Smart if they replace their value with another first round draft pick.

Either way you look at it, Davis’ services will come at a hefty price, but it’s worth it. Imagine a Boston starting five of Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, Anthony Davis and Al Horford. Even if you swap Bradley out for Smart, it’s still a potent lineup that can contend for Eastern Conference supremacy. Even if the asking price ends up being too high for Danny Ainge’s liking, the Celtics have to explore the possibility of trading for Anthony Davis. He could be the final piece that leads them to an 18th championship.

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