Since the start of the 2021-22 NBA season, only a few teams have been exceptional, with many others showcasing average performances that are not entirely a reflection of their roster quality. The Los Angeles Lakers immediately come to mind in this situation but there is plenty of time to turn things around.
The Boston Celtics held a lot of promise coming into the new season but they have been underwhelming so far. To set themselves apart, perhaps it is time for them to switch things up.
The dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown is not producing at the level expected of them ahead of the new season. The supporting cast has delivered on occasion but perhaps it is time they go in search of a third star. League executives have also proposed this as a means of getting back into championship contention.
There is not a lot of assets to use in a trade deal outside of Brown and Tatum, but Bleacher Report has suggested a trade deal that could be beneficial for the Celtics and the Toronto Raptors.
According to Grant Hughes, the Celtics could offer Marcus Smart, Al Horford, and Romeo Langford in a trade package for Pascal Siakam and Goran Dragic.
Despite Smart’s weakness as a point guard, he has been a crucial piece in the team’s playoff run in the last four seasons. Nonetheless, he does not provide that star power that will be needed to take the Celtics to the next level.
Siakam’s versatility will play a huge role in boosting the Celtics’ chances of contending for the championship. Although he’s not the defensive guru Smart is, he is a much better scorer than Horford and is more athletic.
The Raptors will also benefit from the trade as they will have to get a reliable center in Horford. Although Smart might be relegated to the second unit with the Raptors, he will undoubtedly be a boost as he can keep the offense flowing and shore up the defense in the absence of Fred VanVleet.
