By: Chuddy | 1 PM |
As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, more and more whispers come out about the Celtics having conversations around the league in an attempt to upgrade the depth of the roster. Most of the names who have come up are players whose contracts would fit into the Grant Williams $6.25 million TPE, which continues to be the most realistic path to improving the team at the deadline.
We’ve heard the Celtics connected to players such as Bulls center Andre Drummond, Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV, and Raptors forward Otto Porter, all of whom would make sense and fill different needs.
Late Tuesday night, Tony Jones, a Jazz reporter for the Athletic released a column with some interesting Celtics/Jazz notes. Jones confirmed that the Celtics have shown interest in Jazz big man, and former Celtic, Kelly Olynyk, but we’ve discussed at length why that move would be incredibly unlikely due to his contract.
The two players Jones mentioned that would fit into the Williams TPE from the Jazz are guard Kris Dunn and forward Simone Fontecchio. Dunn, the former lottery pick who starred at Providence College has had a disappointing NBA career overall, but has found a role as an elite defensive guard and a reliable ball handler and playmaker. On a minimum contract, Dunn would be an incredible addition to the Celtics bench.
Fontecchio is a 6’7” wing who came over from Europe last season. The 28-year-old Italian has caught on in the Utah starting lineup this season and has become a reliable sharpshooter and a high-IQ defender.
Both players would be great fits on the Celtics but I’m not totally convinced the Jazz will be willing to just dump these players to Boston for 2nd round picks. Both players have been key cogs for the Jazz as the team has climbed into the play-in. Danny Ainge has certainly proven that he has larger ambitions than chasing a 7 or 8 seed, and would willingly sacrifice role players to hunt a star and build a contender.
But that’s far from what the Celtics are offering. Either of these guys (or both, as they could fit in the TPE together) would be a massive boost for the Celts, but it would take a nice gesture by the Celtics' former President of Basketball Operations. Hopefully, he will follow in the footsteps of his former teammate, Kevin McHale, and help the Celtics in their pursuit of another championship.
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