Although the Boston Celtics are currently in the middle of a rebuild, they can easily become contenders again in a year or two. Not because Marcus Smart suddenly becomes a legitimate star after the end of his rookie season or because Avery Bradley becomes Most Improved Player in the NBA - although both scenarios could help - but more realistically because they have a ton of trade assets that they can use to bring in a star or two alongside Rajon Rondo for a run at the NBA title.
Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge has a built a reputation as one of the most opportunistic and forward thinking owners in the NBA. Just look at how he brought Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to Boston in 2007, instantly transforming the Celtics from a lottery bound team to an NBA Champion. With an army of young talented players who are still in their cheap rookie contracts coupled with future picks which have become prime trade assets in the NBA today, Ainge has everything he needs to pull off a block buster trade late in the coming season or in the following summer.
A.Sherrod Blakely, a Celtics Insider, writes that big man Tyler Zeller and guard Marcus Thornton, whom the Boston Celtics acquired via trade deal back in July and are now eligible for trade, could be paired with other Celtics players in exchange for a star. Who that star would be remains to be seen but Thornton, in particular, could be moved at some point prior to the February trade deadline simply because he has no place in a crowded and talented Celtics backcourt.
Jay King of Masslive.com writes:
When Marcus Thornton got traded to the Boston Celtics, even his agent wondered where the guard fits in. Moving Thornton elsewhere immediately became a possibility, but the Celtics' market was restricted for two months.
It may have been impossible to move Thornton 2 months ago per league rules but now Ainge can start exploring deals for the 27 year old point guard now that he is eligible for trade. The Celtics also have 20 players, the league maximum for the offseason, and needs to make room for Evan Tuner so he gets officially signed with the team.
While the Boston Celtics have missed out on Kevin Love and other big free agent names this offseason, Ainge still has all the assets he needs to land a star or two this coming season or next summer in the free agency to get his team back into title contention. Celtics fans just need to be patient.
Join the Conversation