Oklahoma
Could the Boston Celtics turn to the Oklahoma City Thunder to trade for frontcourt help?
Among the many hottest names tied to the Boston Celtics properly forward of the 2022 NBA commerce deadline has been San Antonio Spurs huge man Jakob Poeltl. Bracketing the query of whether or not the Celtics even have to make such a giant commerce given how properly they’ve been taking part in (a very reasonable place), might the Celtics get a frontcourt improve to assist ease the burden on beginning middle Robert Williams III’s oft-injured legs, or 36-year-old veteran huge man Al Horford some relaxation to protect his finest for the postseason?
In keeping with Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, such a transfer might doubtlessly be had, although Boston would wish to attend till Dec. 15 for it to be allowed by the CBA.
The participant in query? Oklahoma Metropolis veteran huge Mike Muscala.
Swartz sees the Celtics swapping the 2023 Portland Path Blazers second-round choose for Muscala and taking nothing again.
This could require waiving a participant who may additionally be included within the commerce, maybe Justin Jackson or Noah Vonleh — but additionally improve Oklahoma Metropolis’s ask to assist Boston hold their tax invoice down.
“The … Celtics don’t have many weaknesses, though including a veteran huge man who can house the ground and provides the workforce minutes at energy ahead and middle could be welcomed,” suggests Swartz.
“Muscala has made 38.9% of his 3s over the previous three seasons and posted a swing ranking of plus-11.3 over that point. Boston wouldn’t even have to ship any wage again, as Muscala’s $3.5 million contract could possibly be absorbed into $6.9 million or $5.8 million commerce exceptions owned by the Celtics.”
“OKC picks up one other draft choice and creates a brand new commerce exception with this deal,” provides the B/R analyst.
Muscala’s skillset as a succesful shooter and passer could be a superb match within the type of depth huge function Boston may need to have, in a position to fill in for Horford or Williams III for prolonged minutes in a pinch.
And whereas he has measurement at 6-foot-10, he’s not a lot of a defender anymore, although within the model of play favored by the Celtics this season, which may not be such a giant problem.
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Story initially appeared on Celtics Wire